Cataclysm King

Chapter 466 Goodbye [Forbidden Ruins Stele]

The six members of Langdon's Team 16 sat on the stone platform on the edge of the cliff to rest.

But all five pairs of eyes were staring at Ji Xun, with an indescribable weirdness between their brows.

Even Seri, who knew all kinds of mysterious spells, couldn't figure out how Ji Xun found this path.

Just jump with your eyes closed and you find it?

It's not like he hasn't heard of the [Intuition Amplification Card].

It just slightly increases the intuitive judgment ability. How come it has such an incredible "guaranteed hit" effect in the hands of teammates?
He couldn't figure it out, and David, Gang Duoduo and others in the team didn't understand it at all.

However, Ji Xun, the instigator, acted very indifferent.

But after all, he felt a little embarrassed by those pairs of eyes staring at him, so he explained self-deprecatingly: "It's not as magical as you think."

As he spoke, he explained his principles in detail: "The career card I changed to is the exclusive sequence of the great prophet Melendez [Melendez's Historical Apprentice]. After the job change, I already have the ability to enhance mysticism. I happen to have some research on mysticism and know a little about divination. I just used the 'Human Pendulum Technique', and then I have [Intuition Amplification], so I chose this."

Looking at the blank looks of the five people, Ji Xun said helplessly: "In short, it's just good luck."

But it’s better not to explain.

After this explanation, an expression of awe appeared on all five faces.

[Polymath] is a person with a wide range of knowledge. Along the way, Ji Xun fully demonstrated the outrageous aspects of this career sequence with his actions.

He has used spells based on more than ten different elemental laws.

Now he even has mystical abilities.

This is more than just "knowing a little bit". Every ability this guy has demonstrated is no worse than that of a card master who specializes in one field.

Although they didn't quite understand it, the five teammates finally understood the "principle".

The dreamlike feeling of unreality gradually disappeared, and the five people's brains gradually felt as if...was it really happening?

Ji Xun also knew that there was no need to waste any more words.

Regardless of whether his teammates understood it or not, what he just said was logically sound.

This also soothed the five people's sense of mental disconnection caused by their lack of knowledge about unknown things.

This scene seems familiar.

Back in the alien space in "The Battle of Ironforge", Ji Xun, Jia Yu and Chu Jiu went together to find the Holy Grail.

At that time, there was no clue to the location of the Holy Grail, so Jia Yu used a method of drifting along the way and miraculously found the secret passage, which surprised Ji Xun for a long time.

Just like now, Ji Xun's human-shaped pendulum stunned his five teammates.

This method of finding the way may seem metaphysical, but it is actually scientific in nature.

In fact, it is the ability to deduce the laws governing the operation of the world brought about by the idea that "I am the world".

When you see the way the world works, something is bound to happen at some point in time.

In fact, Ji Xun himself didn't know that the hidden path was here. In the end, it was just as he said. At a certain moment, he had a flash of inspiration and sensed it.

This "sixth sense" is a mysterious area that he cannot understand at present.

But it's controllable to some extent.

As for that bandit, he could obviously fly, so why did he come here?

Ji Xun felt that it was still because of the abyss rift.

No one knows what lies within the rifts of the abyss.

But Emperor Lanlingster had been severely injured in some rift, not to mention others.

As the saying goes, it is best to take a familiar path when going into the mountains, otherwise you might end up entering the territory of some monster.

But none of that matters now.

Having found the secret passage leading to Black Crow Castle, they are now thinking about what to do next.

After they recovered from their shock, they began to check all traces on the stone platform.

This place has been abandoned for hundreds of years, so of course there is nothing to be found.

But there are indeed quite a few new traces, and it seems that a lot of people have passed through here recently.

The most important clue, of course, is the hunter's body that has been drained of blood.

"The body's blood has been sucked dry. Was it that monster from this afternoon who did this?"

"Well, it's likely. The corpse still has the same dark elements that Anthony had when he was injured. Why do I feel like it's a bit like the legendary 'vampire'?"

"You're right, it really looks like one. I've also heard that vampires have fleshy wings like bats and like to suck the blood of living things."

"."

Serri and his companions had never seen a vampire before, and they were still examining the corpse curiously.

Ji Xun had seen it many times and was absolutely sure that it was a vampire.

However, when listening to his teammates' questions, he would occasionally quote legends from classics and give some ambiguous responses.

What he was thinking about was the development of the plot.

In the hidden mission that he had received before, the hunter Chloe was just a guide, and the real high-difficulty plot might be hidden under the main storyline, pointing to the "mysterious adventurer" who hired him.

Now it seems that the mysterious man was looking for this suspension bridge.

There is also a main road to Black Crow Castle that all the villagers know.

So, this may not be as simple as just one road.

However, the suspension bridge was completely hidden in the black fog. Even when Ji Xun looked over, he only saw the unknown.

As he thought about it, his pupils dilated slightly.

The five teammates also finished examining the body.

Now the feeling among the few people is that a hidden plot with huge potential for development is right in front of them, and it depends on how they choose.

Gang Duoduo tilted his head to look at Su Lun, and cast a questioning look: "Su Lun, what should we do now?"

After saying this, the others also turned their eyes to Ji Xun.

If it is the main storyline, they can also follow the task prompts to do it.

But now, I am completely in the dark.

David looked at Ji Xun's thoughtful expression as he stared at the suspension bridge, guessed what he wanted to do, and directly suggested, "How about I go over and take a look first?"

Although he didn't think as carefully as Ji Xun, he knew that if he wanted to get a breakthrough in the plot, he had to go to the other side of the bridge.

And he is the one with the strongest overall physical ability in the team, so there is no reason for him to hide at the back.

After hearing this, Gale also said, "I'll go. I'm an assassin, and I'll make less noise if I walk on this chain suspension bridge."

Everyone knew that there was an unknown danger on the other side of the bridge, but at this moment, no one backed down.

However, Ji Xun did not respond in a hurry.

He was still thinking.

The plot alone is not difficult.

The difficulty is that there is another hand secretly controlling this trial.

If you act rashly before figuring out the other party's true motives, you can easily put yourself in a disadvantageous position.

Seeing him thinking, the five people did not disturb him and waited quietly, each of them showing a thoughtful expression.

After a while, Ji Xun's pupils shrank slightly, and then he said: "It's too risky to go there now. We have to wait."

"and many more?"

No one understood.

They were a little surprised. The brave guy who first suggested exploring the forest at night would actually stop when he was obviously close to the truth of the hidden plot?
David and his companions were also aware of the danger.

But isn’t the danger always there?

From entering the forest and killing my way here, it seems that there is no difference now from before.

Only Ji Xun himself knows that the danger now is different from before.

Seli thought about it, followed Ji Xun's train of thought, and asked, "You mean we should wait until others attack the castle and attract the attention of those bandits before we go?"

"Ah."

Ji Xun nodded: "The suspension bridge is such a key thoroughfare. Even if it is not guarded, there may be some early warning devices. If we rush over, once we are exposed, we may attract the firepower of all the bandits. The situation will be very dangerous at that time. So the best opportunity is to wait for someone to attack the castle and attract the attention of the bandits."

After hearing this explanation, the others thought about it and understood.

Whether it is the team of Princess Sophia of the Red Dragon Royal Family, or Young Master Sack of the Langdon Family, or the team of Feren of the Simon Family. They actually have the strength to confront the bandit gangs head-on.

As soon as the day breaks and the fog in the forest dissipates, these elite teams will definitely find ways to obtain higher trial ratings and rush to cause trouble for the bandit leader.

Gang Duoduo frowned and said, "Ah, then don't we have to wait until daytime?"

Everyone understands the truth, but it seems a bit of a waste of all the efforts to wait for the slight advantage we have finally gained by traveling at night.

If others can think of it, Ji Xun can certainly do it too.

But after hearing this, his pupils shrank slightly, and he said meaningfully: "Maybe, we don't have to wait that long."

Along the way, the huge risks accompanied by huge rewards made the team's morale high, but Ji Xun's words suppressed the teammates' eager thoughts of crossing the suspension bridge.

But since he was the one who spoke, no one else said anything.

After experiencing so many events, there is no longer any doubt in the team about Ji Xun's judgment.

Several people rested peacefully on the stone platform.

About two hours later, it was late at night.

Thick black gas gushed out from the cracks in the abyss.

Ji Xun had been sitting cross-legged in meditation for two hours, without moving.

There are actually two types of difficulty in this trial space.

One is daytime, which is roughly equivalent to "normal mode".

The second is at night, which is the "difficult mode".

From the very beginning when entering the other dimension, Enlightenment reminded us that the castle was haunted at night.

If the person behind the scenes is going for a difficult plot, he will definitely do something at night.

Ji Xun and his team proved with their strength that elite teams can survive at night.

Although their team is strong, it is not the strongest in overall strength.

The guards of several great nobles are not bad, and they are better equipped.

Several strong teams compete in the same space, and any hesitation will lead to defeat.

So Ji Xun was certain that someone would do something big tonight!

Compared to Ji Xun's calm meditation, the other teammates seemed a little bored.

Seri adjusted the spell cards in the card slot, Gang Duoduo wiped his armor, David adjusted his breath to get the spell power ready, Zhuo Sha also prepared the healing potion, and Gale was playing with the dagger.
They have already prepared their own means.

Sharpening the knife, just waiting for the monster.

Yet the night seemed to last very long.

The more you care about time, the slower it goes.

However, the accident came very suddenly.

Without any warning, the sound of enlightenment began to ring.

"Yinshan Village was attacked and broken by bandits. B-level opportunity plot mission is triggered. Reinforce Yinshan Village to rescue the villagers."

This enlightenment seemed to give everyone a shot of stimulant, and everyone instantly became energetic: "Here we go!"

But when they saw the content of the enlightenment, their expressions became strange.

Isn’t Yinshan Village the village where they stayed before?
It was actually breached by the bandits? This means that the bandits chose to attack at night.

Seeing this sudden enlightenment, everyone's expressions became embarrassed.

They waited for the opportunity that Ji Xun said.

But at the same time, I was also bound by this enlightenment.

Gale hesitated and said, "Yinshan Village was attacked. Will the young master be in danger?"

After all, they are the family knights of the Duke of Langdon's Mansion, and nothing is more important than their own young master.

Seli shook his head and said, "It's too late for us to go back now. On the contrary, if we can contain the bandits in Black Crow Castle, we can force them to return to defend."

Then he continued, "Besides, the bandits will definitely not send out their entire army for a night attack. The young master and his men have enchanted weapons and [Light Dispel] that target dark creatures, so they may not suffer any loss."

Ji Xun meant the same thing.

This is the most sensible choice.

But the fact is, as a knight of a noble family, whether or not one can do it is one thing, but whether or not to do it is a matter of attitude.

If Young Master Sack was really in danger and they did not come back to help him, the entire team would be accused of disloyalty no matter what amazing results they achieved afterwards.

Everyone could not hide the embarrassment on their faces.

However, before everyone could make a decision due to this dilemma, inspirations appeared one after another.

"Congratulations to Duke Landon's first team for successfully killing the bandit squad leader, the Savage Giant Aberk. The key plot leader's first kill bonus +3%, additional points bonus +3%."

"Congratulations to Duke Langdon's first team for successfully killing the captain of the Red Smoke Gun Mountain Bandit Group's seventh team, Black Blade Tuze. The key plot leader's first kill bonus +15%, additional points bonus +20%"

It didn't take long for Enlightenment to appear again.

"Congratulations to the Silver Fir Village trialists for successfully defending the village and completing the opportunity plot. Collective trial points reward +500"

Obviously, the bandits went there.

But he was also killed badly.

The mob is completely different from their regular knight corps.

Once the bandit leader was killed, they immediately scattered.

The turn of events was so fast that it was a little unbelievable.

The crisis just occurred, and it was resolved in the blink of an eye.

"It's the young master and his friends!"

"Haha, Master and his men have driven the bandits back! Those vampires definitely didn't expect that Master and his men have means to restrain dark creatures!"

"Yes. Thanks to the booklet Su Lun found earlier, otherwise there would be casualties in the bandits' night attack."

"."

The teammates became excited and wished they were there to kill people.

This time, the B-level opportunity plot seems to be completed a little too easily.

actually not.

The props that Ji Xun discovered were not originally intended to serve a B-level plot, but something higher.

So killing a few bandits who attacked at night was just a matter of chance, and the enemies' necks happened to hit the blade.

Those things have a huge damage bonus to low-level vampires, allowing Young Master Sack's elite troops to resolve the crisis as easily as chopping melons and vegetables.

Ultimately, it was all Ji Xun's credit.

It can be expected that after this trial, the Langdon family’s test results will definitely not be bad.

But before everyone could get too excited, Qi Di appeared again.

"Congratulations to the 15th Red Dragon Royal Family Team for being the first to discover the Black Crow Castle. The main story exploration reward is +10%, and the additional points reward is +%."

Seeing this, the teammates' excited expressions froze on the spot.

If Young Master Sack's repelling of the bandits just now was a small surprise, then these guys from the Red Dragon Royal Family were a big surprise!

Even Ji Xun's pupils shrank slightly.

But it was just a momentary accident.

Then, the whole incident came clearly into view.

The bandits had just attacked Silver Fir Village, and the Red Dragon Royal Family arrived at Black Crow Castle. This was no coincidence.

But it was done intentionally by the people of the Red Dragon royal family.

In order to share his own pressure, he deliberately lured some bandits to Yinshan Village.

And now it seems that the assembly signal sent by the Red Dragon Royal Family in the afternoon might not be because they were in danger, but something they had discussed long ago. They gathered their strength as soon as they came in and headed straight for the final BOSS of the main storyline.

"Those guys in the Red Dragon Royal Family are really vicious. They actually diverted the blame and wanted others to share the pressure with them."

"Yes. If it weren't for the young master and his men repelling the bandits' night attack, it's hard to say how many people would have died this time."

"."

After a few words, everyone understood what had happened.

The elite team may not be afraid, but those ordinary teams that are not as good as them may be doomed.

The trial space encourages competition. This kind of behavior is not shameful in the Royal Academy. Instead, it is in line with the cunning temperament of the Dragonborn.

Originally I thought that their team was the closest to Black Crow Castle, but now it seems that there is someone else.

The sense of urgency came all of a sudden.

But Ji Xun didn't care about diverting trouble.

He thought more deeply: "So, it is indeed a collaboration between inside and outside. Is there an accomplice of the mastermind in the Red Dragon Royal Family?"

He had been thinking before that simply inviting a few strong teams to compete might not achieve the desired results.

There may also be some people among the trial students who will take the initiative to guide the development of the plot.

Looking at it now, it is indeed the case.

Ji Xun thought again: "Strange. To be able to convince Princess Sophia to take the risk, the identity of the 'accomplice' must be very unusual. Could it be the Red Dragon Royal Family? No way, how dare the three royal families rebel against the Holy See?"

Things are getting more and more complicated.

But no matter what, now that the opportunity he has been waiting for has come, Ji Xun will not waste time.

Now is the best time to cross the bridge.

His thoughts raced through his mind and he stood up immediately.

When the five people of Seri saw him set off, they also looked forward to preparing together.

However, Ji Xun glanced at everyone and said solemnly: "I plan to go over and take a look now. But there are some things I have to tell you."

It was also the first time that everyone heard Ji Xun's serious expression, and the excitement on their faces instantly dimmed.

Ji Xun said bluntly: "I don't know what will happen if I go this way. I suspect that the difficulty of the plot may exceed level A. So the risk is very high. Even if I can go through, I may not be able to come back alive."

More than A-level?
So I immediately realized the seriousness of the matter.

The instructor at the academy once said that for a scenario with difficulty exceeding level A, the survival rate of elite soldiers is only one in a hundred.

No one would think that what he said was an exaggeration.

“I mean, I’ll go over and take a look first.”

These teammates are all good people, and Ji Xun doesn't want them to follow him into danger.

After all, he is just an avatar, if he dies, he dies.

And regardless of whether it is a clone or not, he has the courage and idea to do so.

But without saying anything, David stood up resolutely and said, "Su Lun, I will go with you."

He was a slave and his life was not in his own hands.

A pure warrior is always loyal and righteous.

Moreover, David had received a lot of guidance from Ji Xun during this period, and he would never let Ji Xun, a frail polymath, take risks alone.

Young people are always passionate. As soon as David said that, Gang Duoduo also stood up, followed by Seri, Gail and Zhuosha.

"I am coming too!"

"Together we will!"

"."

The six teammates already had a good understanding of each other, and none of them backed down.

Ji Xun glanced at everyone and wanted to say something, but swallowed it back.

He doesn't want his teammates to take risks, but he also respects their choices.

In his current perspective, human courage is related to destiny.

This is a quality more valuable than being alive.

Everyone was already prepared.

After Ji Xun decided to set off, Gale from the assassin department was the first to go onto the iron bridge.

Ji Xun and David followed behind.

Gang Duoduo and the other two were not in a hurry to go up the bridge. One reason was to cover their retreat to prevent accidents, and the other was to wait for the three men to find out the situation before taking any action.

The visibility in the abyss rift was extremely low, and Gale, who had arrived first, was completely submerged in the black fog.

Ji Xun and David took a few steps and could no longer see the figures of Gang Duoduo and the other two behind them.

The only sound in my ears was the whistling of the wind and the rustling of the iron chain suspension bridge swaying in the wind.

After walking a hundred meters, there was thick black fog in front and behind.

This made people walking on the suspension bridge even more fearful.

I don’t know where the suspension bridge leads to, and I don’t know what I will face. The unknown brings an increasingly strong sense of terror to people.

It looked like a fight had broken out over at Black Crow Castle. Although I couldn't see it, the sound of the battle could be heard from far away.

The wooden planks underfoot have been corroded and are full of holes. If you are not careful, you will fall into the endless abyss.

David walked carefully.

Ji Xun walked forward steadily, stepping on the iron chains as if it were flat ground.

What others saw as uncertainty was not so in his eyes.

The thickness of this iron chain was much smaller than that of the one in the East Wasteland Rift, so he estimated that the suspension bridge would not be too long. Judging from the arc of the bridge pulled by gravity, it was probably only a few hundred meters.

as predicted.

Soon, the two saw Gail standing guard at the end of the suspension bridge.

There is still a stone platform here, along with a cave leading into the mountain.

But this is not what Ji Xun cares about.

His eyes were immediately attracted by the tall black obelisk next to the cave.

"The Forbidden Ruins Stele!"

Seeing that this was the familiar black stone tablet, Ji Xun's heart was filled with the biggest wave since entering the different dimension.

As for the previous conspiracies, plans, and plots, he still felt that they had slightly aroused his desire to explore.

However, the moment he saw the stone tablet, he immediately changed his mind.

Every place where the [Forbidden Ruins Stele] appears is involved in major historical events.

So the moment Ji Xun saw the stone tablet, he immediately realized that the Black Crow Castle might be related to the secrets of some ancient demon gods.

(End of this chapter)