Ch 307: Gathering The Three Ancient Artifacts
Based on information from Old Man He at the Bamboo Hut, Chen Dian learned that in nearby Ancient Ruins, there was an Underground City called Hanba City. Legend says the Spirit-Sealing Pearl is likely hidden within this mysterious Underground City. However, this place is not only located in the deep, dark, and damp depths, but also potentially hides various Venomous Insect Monsters, filled with endless danger.
Faced with this situation, Chen Dian had many concerns about whether to go to Hanba City to look for the Spirit-Sealing Pearl. After all, the environment there is so harsh, and the unknown dangers are daunting.
After careful consideration, Chen Dian finally made a decision. He decided to leave Imperial Consort Gao Yushan and Imperial Consort Li Qianyuan at the relatively safe Bamboo Hut, while he himself would lead Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen to Hanba City to search for the legendary Spirit-Sealing Pearl.
When Chen Dian told Gao Yushan and Li Qianyuan this decision, both showed great concern. They thought Chen Dian was being too reckless and hoped he would reconsider.
However, Chen Dian’s mind was made up. He comforted Gao Yushan and Li Qianyuan, saying: “You don’t need to worry, I will be careful. Once I find the Spirit-Sealing Pearl, I will immediately return to reunite with you. Furthermore, we will all wear Light Armor; this Light Armor has previously undergone rigorous testing, and it can completely cover our bodies; no Venomous Insects and Beasts can penetrate its protection.” Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen also immediately stated that they would protect Your Majesty Chen Dian’s Safety with all their might, and absolutely would not let him suffer any harm. Seeing that their persuasion was ineffective, Gao Yushan and Li Qianyuan, though with a thousand reluctance in their hearts, also understood that this was a decision they could not change, and could only tearfully repeatedly admonish them to be careful and cautious, and not to be reckless if they encountered danger.
The three quickly packed their bags, putting all the necessary Items inside. They all put on light but strong Light Armor to deal with any situation they might encounter. After everything was ready, they resolutely set off towards Hanba City.
Along the way, they passed through dense forests; the path under their feet was covered with thick fallen leaves, making a slight rustling sound. They crossed a gently flowing stream; the water was crystal clear, sparkling with little points of light under the sun. However, as they gradually approached Hanba City, the path became increasingly rugged; the originally flat path was replaced by huge rocks and steep slopes.
When they finally approached Hanba City, a gloomy aura, like a cold current, rushed towards them, causing them to involuntarily tremble. The surrounding air also seemed to instantly become freezing cold, as if they had entered another world. They carefully stepped into the entrance of Hanba City; inside, it was pitch black, they could not see their hands in front of their faces; only a foul smell permeated the air.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the darkness; the sound was unusually faint, yet it seemed particularly clear in the silent environment. It sounded as if something was quietly approaching them. Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen immediately became alert; they quickly drew their weapons, holding them tightly in their hands, vigilantly observing the surrounding movements.
Chen Dian’s fists also involuntarily clenched; his gaze was firm and sharp, fearlessly staring into the unknown in the darkness. He took a deep breath, adjusted his state, and prepared to meet the impending danger. At this moment, a ghostly green Light flashed from the darkness; immediately afterwards, a group of strangely shaped Venomous Insects swarmed out from all directions. These Venomous Insects were huge, with shells as hard as iron; each one shone with a strange Light; they clawed and pounced towards the three. Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen immediately rushed forward, wielding their weapons and engaging in a fierce battle with the Venomous Insects. Chen Dian was not to be outdone; he drew his sword from his waist and joined the battle. For a time, the shouts of killing, the clash of weapons, and the screams of the Venomous Insects intertwined.
Suddenly, a Venomous Insect of unusual size dashed towards them like lightning, breaking through Gao Yiming’s defense line with astonishing speed. This Venomous Insect was covered in a hard shell, emitting a nauseating stench; its fangs shone with a cold light; it was clearly the Leader of this group of Venomous Insects.
Seeing this, Chen Dian’s face changed; he immediately dodged to the side, agilely avoiding the Venomous Insect’s pounce. At the same time, his Long Sword slashed out like a gust of wind, fiercely hacking at the Venomous Insect’s body.
However, surprisingly, the shell of this Venomous Insect was incredibly hard; Chen Dian’s blade only left a shallow mark on it, and could not cause any substantial harm.
Just as the Venomous Insect was about to attack again, Li Jiawen appeared like a ghost. His Long Sword drew an arc in the air, accurately stabbing the Venomous Insect in the eye.
The Venomous Insect suffered a heavy blow, letting out a sharp scream, then collapsed to the ground. Its body twitched on the ground a few times, then stopped moving.
After a thrilling fierce battle, the three finally eliminated all the ferocious Venomous Insects. They stood there, panting, looking at the Venomous Insect corpses lying on the ground, a sense of relief surging in their hearts.
However, they also clearly knew that this was only the beginning of the danger in Hanba City. The Spirit-Sealing Pearl was still waiting for them deeper inside, and ahead of them, there were probably more unknown challenges and difficulties. After a brief rest, the three took a deep breath, adjusted their state, and continued to walk towards the depths of the Underground City. As they continued to delve deeper underground, the passage became narrower and narrower; the confined space made them feel somewhat depressed.
At this moment, the ground suddenly began to shake violently, as if some immense Power was surging underground. The three were startled; they quickly stopped and vigilantly observed their surroundings.
Suddenly, a Loud Noise came from the Stone Wall ahead; a huge crack appeared, and a large amount of black water gushed out from the crack. This black water, like a black torrent, quickly flooded the passage ahead.
Even more terrifying, countless transparent small snakes were swimming in the black water; they shuttled through the water; wherever they passed, the stones were corroded beyond recognition.
Seeing this, Gao Yiming’s face changed drastically; he shouted loudly, “Careful, this water is corrosive!” Before he finished speaking, he quickly retreated, keeping a distance from the black water.
Chen Dian and the other person were also startled by this sudden situation; they hurriedly retreated with Gao Yiming, while searching for a place to avoid the black water.
Having barely avoided the impact of the black water, before the three could catch their breath, a huge Stone Gate appeared ahead. This Stone Gate towered into the clouds; countless strange Runes were carved on it; the Runes emitted a faint Light, revealing an evil aura.
Chen Dian carefully approached the Stone Gate, wanting to carefully observe these Runes. However, when his hand just touched the Stone Gate, the Runes suddenly seemed to be activated, and suddenly lit up.
Accompanied by a low, rumbling sound, the Stone Gate slowly opened, and a powerful airflow gushed out from inside, carrying thick Mist. The three were blown somewhat unsteady by this airflow; they tightly grasped the Stone Wall beside them, barely maintaining their balance.
When the airflow weakened slightly, the three looked closely and found that behind the Stone Gate was a huge cavity; thick Mist filled the cavity, making it impossible to see the situation inside.
From the Mist, a low and terrifying Roar suddenly came, as if the entire space was trembling. Then, a Giant Scorpion, whose body was as large as a mountain, slowly crawled out of the Mist. This Giant Scorpion was covered in a hard shell; its pincers shone with a cold light; green Venom still dripped from its stinger, making people shudder.
Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen exchanged a glance and immediately understood. They tacitly flanked from left and right, while Chen Dian unhesitatingly charged towards the Giant Scorpion from the front, attracting its attention.
The Giant Scorpion obviously felt the threat from three sides; it angrily waved its pincers; each attack brought a gust of wind, its Power was astonishing. Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen agilely dodged the Giant Scorpion’s attacks, while looking for its weaknesses.
The battle became a stalemate; both sides attacked and defended, neither giving an inch. Just as the Giant Scorpion was about to wave its pincers again to attack, Chen Dian suddenly found a relatively soft spot on its abdomen. He had an idea; seizing the opportunity, he leaped up, his Long Sword flashing like lightning, stabbing towards the Giant Scorpion’s abdomen.
This sword strike hit the mark; the Giant Scorpion let out a sharp scream and struggled painfully. Its pincers waved wildly, trying to get rid of Chen Dian’s attack, but Chen Dian held tightly to the Sword Hilt, not giving it any chance.
After a fierce struggle, the Giant Scorpion finally fell to the ground, unable to move anymore. The three panted, looking at the Giant Scorpion on the ground, feeling relieved.
After a short rest, they continued to move forward, not knowing what other dangers awaited them. The three, dragging their weary bodies, stepped deeper into the passage, their hearts filled with expectation for the Spirit-Sealing Pearl.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, a spacious Hall finally appeared at the end of the passage. A Pearl emitting a soft Light was suspended in the center of the Hall; it was the Spirit-Sealing Pearl. But just as they were about to approach, the ground suddenly cracked open, and a group of ghostly illusions surged out. These illusions clawed and screamed, causing the temperature to drop sharply wherever they went. Gao Yiming and Li Jiawen hurried to meet them, but found that their weapons had little effect on the illusions.
Chen Dian frowned tightly; a passage from an Ancient Book suddenly flashed through his mind: Ghostly Illusions fear Pure Yang Power the most.
He took a deep breath, mobilized the Pure Yang True Qi within his body, and quickly condensed a dazzling Light with his hands. With a roar, Chen Dian, like a burning meteor, charged straight towards the Ghostly Illusions.
Wherever the Pure Yang True Qi passed, the illusions, which had been clawing and screaming, were like being burned by blazing flames, letting out sharp screams, then instantly vanished without a trace.
However, just when Chen Dian and the others thought success was in sight, an accident happened. A transparent barrier suddenly appeared around the Spirit-Sealing Pearl, with mysterious Runes flashing on it, as if a powerful force was guarding it.
Chen Dian looked closely; the Runes on this barrier were operating according to a certain pattern. He immediately concentrated his mind, carefully observing the Changes in these Runes, and finally found a key node.
Chen Dian immediately channeled all of his Pure Yang True Qi into his sword, then fiercely struck the Rune node with his sword. There was a crisp “crack”, and the seemingly indestructible barrier shattered.
Seeing this, Chen Dian immediately reached out and firmly grasped the Spirit-Sealing Pearl. The moment he grasped the Spirit-Sealing Pearl, a dazzling Light suddenly flashed, and then they found that they had successfully left Hanba City and returned to the Bamboo Hut.
Inside the Bamboo Hut, Gao Yushan and Li Qianyuan were anxiously waiting for their return. When they saw Chen Dian and others appearing safely, smiles appeared on both of their faces.
