by KSY
“We can only wait,” Yama said as he gave Earl a deep look.
Ryan and Dargar just nodded their heads, but they could tell from Yama’s calm demeanor that Earl was going to be fine.
Sundering Valley had become silent like a graveyard as the Treasure Space ejected a few participants back to back who’d absorbed Heretical Fiery Liquid. Their entire bodies had turned red and hot. The doctors and their assistants were already trying to stabilize their conditions. Julia came forward to offer her assistance as she possessed Heavenly Water named Violent Water. Violent Water is famed for its exceptional ability to suppress Fire Attribute. She enveloped the participants in it, and their conditions instantly stabilized as the Heretical Fiery Liquid inside their bodies turned dormant due to which the mutation was stopped.
Everyone had grim expressions as they looked at the participants with pity, as they knew that this was just a temporary measure.
“Is there no way to save my son?” a middle-aged woman with teary eyes asked the doctor who was treating the participants who’d absorbed Heretical Fiery Liquid. The parents of the other participants that had also absorbed Heretical Fiery Liquid were also looking at the doctor in a similar manner.
“None that I know of,” the doctor said, following which the wails of the women resounded in Sundering Valley.
“But the Ancestors from the Main branch might know of a way,” the doctor added which immediately gave a little hope to those parents. The women stopped crying as they looked up in the sky with a pleading look. Sheldon suddenly appeared next to the doctor, but he had a grim expression.
“We can’t help them at this stage, as they have already started to transform into Heretical Fire Devils,” Sheldon said in a helpless manner, which also made their family members lose all hope. The entire Sundering Valley was shrouded in the wails of women.
On Endless Abyss Divine World, Heron, Herman and Solomon were looking at the screen in front of them showing Sundering Valley.
“Father, the Treasure Space generally discards Devil and Demonic Treasures, so why did it fail to do so this time?” Herman asked with a puzzled expression. Demonic Treasures are similar to Devil Treasures and are only beneficial for demons and Demonic Martial Artists.
The numerous High-grade Treasure Lands of Raspite produced Heavenly Treasures, Devil Treasures and Demonic Treasures on a regular basis just like the ones on Grandura, which were then harvested by the Treasure Space when they’d reached a particular grade. The Demonic and Devil Treasures were discarded by the Treasure Space while only Heavenly Treasures were sent to its storage. This made sure that the Treasure Space had an unending supply of Heavenly Treasures in storage even after millions of years since its creation.
“It is not easy to differentiate between Divine Fiery Liquid and Heretical Fiery Liquid even for Celestial Realm beings, so it is not abnormal for the Treasure Space to make a mistake about a Low-grade Celestial Artifact. It is my mistake that I didn’t check all the Heavenly Treasures that were placed in Raspite by the Treasure Space on my command,” Solomon said with a sorrowful expression.
The Treasure Space is a fully automatic entity so it is capable of executing the command of the person who holds its Master controller. The Treasure Space had numerous Heavenly Treasures in its storage and it hid some of them in Raspite for every Divine Trials. In the current Divine Trials, Solomon had made the Treasure Space place a number of Heavenly Treasures in open sight though they were protected by powerful creatures. The Treasure Space randomly selected a few Heavenly Treasures from its storage for that purpose.
“Father, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your mistake. All this happened due to the limitations of the Treasure Space,” Herman said as he could tell that his father was shaken up.
“Brother is right, Father,” Heron too tried to pacify Solomon, but Solomon’s expression turned ugly as the scene on the screen changed to Ryan gulping down Heretical Fiery Liquid. It was not just him but even Heron and Herman had changes in their expressions, as well as the people in Sundering Valley when they saw Ryan knowingly gulp down the bottle of Heretical Fiery Liquid. They’d been astonished earlier on, when they’d seen him deduce the contents of the bottle correctly.
The breathing rates of Ryan’s family became uneven as they knew that the bottle containing Heretical Fiery Liquid was a one-way ticket to Hell. The reactions of the rest of the people including Sheldon, Brian and Danr were not as exaggerated as theirs, but still, they were looking at the screen that was showing Ryan with unblinking eyes and concern.
Their expressions eased a little when they heard Ryan’s reason for drinking Heretical Fiery Liquid knowingly, but that was not the case with Solomon, Heron and Herman. They knew more about Asura dragons, unlike the members of the Grandura branches of both Family Clans including Sheldon, Brian and Danr. So, they knew that the physique of Asura dragons is not powerful enough to suppress the adverse effects of Heretical Fiery Liquid.
“This brat is too overconfident,” Solomon roared in anger which made the entire mountain shake on which his house was located. The expressions of Herman and Heron were not good either, but not long after that Solomon, Herman and Heron had looks of disbelief. They were unable to fathom how Ryan was still fine. Heretical Fiery Liquid affects the being that absorbs it within a few minutes, so it was natural that they were shocked since Ryan was fine even after a few minutes of absorbing it.
“This kid has too many secrets on him,” Solomon said, as he was unable to tell why Ryan was still OK, but he was extremely happy at that moment. Herman and Heron nodded their heads in agreement, but they were feeling giddy deep down.
Who didn’t want a freak like Ryan to be born in their factions?
The people in Sundering Valley couldn’t help but look at Ryan with envious expressions. His physique was literally Heaven Defying in every sense.
Ryan’s giving Dark Star Ore to Raban and the rest of his group-members was within everyone’s expectation, so it didn’t cause too much of an uproar except for envy amongst the ejected participants. The family members of Ryan’s fellow group-members came forward to thank Ryan’s family; they were overjoyed as their children would have weapons that would be a cut above other Martial Artists in the same generation as them.
Ryan had no idea that the messages left behind him had already been found by a number of groups that were still vying for the Dark Star Ore. The messages left behind by Ryan were quickly verified following which the news regarding the disappearance of the Metallic Hell Dragon and Dark Star Ore started to spread amongst the participants.
Yate’s group and the other groups that had joined hands with his group had assembled at a Fire Attribute Treasure Land just adjacent to the Metallic Sheen Mountain Range. A Fiery Forest grew on this Fire Attribute Treasure Land called Seven-colored Burning Forest. The group-leaders were standing in a circle in a small forest clearing as they discussed the disappearance of Metallic Hell Dragon and Dark Star Ore. The other members of their respective groups were standing at a little distance from them.
“Who do you think has the Dark Star Ore?” one of the group-leaders couldn’t help but ask.
“If I am not wrong, there is a high chance that the Metallic Hell Dragon has formed an Equal contract with one of the participants and that participant is currently in possession of Dark Star Ore,” another group-leader said.
His name was Jeremy, and he belonged to the Eighth branch of Eternity Family Clan, and was one of the candidates that could replace Rudolf as the next Head of the Grandura branch of Eternity Family Clan in the future. Many people hearing his words were stunned. It had been a very long time since an Immortal Realm Being of Raspite had formed an Equal contract with a participant.
This was bound to make a big ruckus in both Family Clans. The last time this had happened, it had been done by Nero. Adult Elemental Beasts don’t make an Equal contract that easily, compared to younger ones, due to their pride and ego. If an adult descendant of a Divine Elemental Beast
forms an Equal contract, then it can only mean that the participant possesses extremely high talent, otherwise it wouldn’t lower itself to form an Equal contract with a youngster.
Jeremy, Yate and other potential candidates that could become the heads of the Grandura branches of either Family Clan felt immense pressure, and just prayed that the participant who’d done this didn’t belong to their Family Clan - otherwise they would have a very tough competitor.
“There is no point in over-thinking. We will come to know about his identity when he comes for the exchange,” a young beautiful girl said. Her voice was pleasant just like that of a nightingale, and it was quite captivating. Her name was Caelia and she was a Death Attribute Martial Artist. She was also one of the candidates that could replace Rudolf, just like Jeremy, as the next Head of the Grandura branch of the Eternity Family Clan. Everyone just nodded their heads in agreement on hearing her words.
“Let’s head for Forest of Tears. If we reach it before the mysterious participant, then we can set up a few traps for him or her. It will take around one month to reach Forest of Tears from here, so it will be for the best if we leave at the earliest,” another group-leader suggested.
Caelia who had a calm and composed expression suddenly had a change in expression as a bright smile appeared on her face.
“Ryan has reunited with his group, and they have entered a cave for a Closed-door Cultivation session,” Caelia said with a smile on her face. She’d had a few Evil spirits keep an eye on Raban’s group from a distance, which had allowed her to keep a tab on the activities of Raban’s group. These Evil spirits continuously updated her about their activities, but they were unable to differentiate between Dark Star Ore and normal rock, so they didn’t inform Caelia of anything about the Dark Star Ore. The expressions of all the group-leaders immediately brightened up, as they knew that Caelia was keeping a close watch on Raban’s group via her Evil spirits.
“So, he’s finally appeared,” Yate said with a sinister smile. He’d wanted to break Ryan’s legs the moment he’d made fun of him in Sundering Valley, but he’d restrained himself due to the presence of so many people. His only option at the time had been to wait until Ryan entered the Treasure Space, but now, he had a chance to finally strike at Ryan.
All the group-leaders quickly informed the respective members of their groups about the entire matter following which they quickly left to capture Raban’s group for the sake of Nascent Soul Fruits.
Ryan and rest of his fellow group-members were moving at a fast pace towards the Forest of Tears unaware of the problem that was following them. Raban and the other members of his group had already left for Forest of Tears by the time Yate and company arrived at the cave where Raban and the other members of his group had fused Dark Star Ore with their weapons.
The only thing Yate and company could do now was to chase after Raban’s group.
A big smile was plastered on the faces of all the members of Raban’s group due to the increase in the strengths of their weapons. The Life Weapons of those who possessed them had had their toughness and sharpness increase to an unprecedented level. They were almost on the same level as Low-grade Immortal Grade Artifacts. Their attack power had also increased exponentially, but none of the Life Weapons had gained any new ability. The Soul weapons of those who possessed them had also their grades go up by a notch.
Ryan’s facial expression was no different from those of his fellow group-members, but for a different reason. The white side of his Soul World was no longer chaotic, as Earl had stopped releasing an immense amount of energy. He could tell that Earl was in the final stages of his mutation, and he had a good feeling about it.
Raban and the rest would occasionally look at Ryan’s red eyes with envy as he led them through dangerous areas without them encountering a single perilous situation. This was also the reason that Yate and the others were unable to catch up with them. They encountered powerful Elemental Beasts and other kinds of dangerous beings on a regular basis.
Raban and the rest almost vomited blood on seeing Ryan pick up medallions that were hidden in places where no one would ever search for them. They didn’t know what to say about the entire matter, and they couldn’t help but feel even more envious of his physique. The total tally of medallions in Ryan’s possession had increased to one hundred ten.
“No wonder he came out of Poison Meadow with his life intact,” everyone thought to themselves.
“Ryan, who told you about the special method for plucking Nascent Soul Fruits from the branches of the Soul Devouring Immortal Tree Spirit?” Livius asked, which attracted everyone’s attention.
“There is no special method. I will have to use force to pluck them,” Ryan said in a nonchalant manner which made everyone stop in their paths instantly.
“Why did you guys stop?” Ryan asked in a mischievous manner, as he too stopped.
“Ryan, can you please explain yourself?” Amosis asked in a concerned manner, and the rest of the members of Raban’s group looked at Ryan with similar gazes. They knew that messing with Soul Devouring Immortal Tree Spirits was not a good idea, and they had no intention of letting Ryan risk his life. They were already content with the Dark Star Ore.
“I will be using Undead creatures to get them for us,” Ryan said with a smile on his face.
“You can control Undead creatures!” Livius asked with a look of disbelief, and the reactions of the rest of the group-members were no different. They were already able to guess what was going on in Ryan’s mind to some extent.
Ryan nodded his head as he slapped the Undead pouch by the side of his waist following which ten Skeleton Undead creatures emitting red auras appeared beside Ryan. Raban and rest were agape on seeing them.
“I am sure that all of you know that most Death Attribute Plant Spirits and Tree Spirits don’t attack Undead creatures. Soul Devouring Immortal Tree Spirits of the Forest of Tears are no different,” Ryan said with a sly smile as he called all the Skeleton Undead creatures back to his Undead pouch. Everyone except Raban just nodded their heads in agreement, as what Ryan had stated was a well-known fact.
“Ryan, Death Attribute Plant Spirits and Tree Spirits don’t attack Undead creatures, but that is only if the Undead creatures don’t harm them. The Soul Devouring Immortal Tree Spirits will rip your Undead creatures into a number of pieces if they try to pluck Nascent Soul Fruits hanging on their branches,” Raban said in an uneasy voice. His words made the atmosphere gloomy.
“I have a plan in my mind, so you people need to have some faith in me,” Ryan said in his defense. Everyone just sighed and decided to let Ryan handle things as he wished. They could tell that he had a lot of trump-cards up his sleeves from his calm and confident tone.
The fact was that he had also somehow procured Dark Star Ore, so everyone couldn’t help but believe his words. Ryan and his group-members again started to run at top speed towards the Forest of Tears while Lachesis silently crept out of Ryan clothes and flew in the opposite direction at blinding speed.
Ryan’s fellow group-members were not even able to see her or sense her at all, but a smile appeared on Ryan’s face after a few minutes.
Yate and company had twisted expressions as all of Caelia’s Evil spirits that had been following Raban’s group had been killed a few minutes ago, which made it impossible for them to chase after Raban’s group as they no longer knew where it was.
“It seems that Raban’s group wishes to hog all the Nascent Soul Fruits,” one of the group-leaders said. His name was Jerome. He had a muscular physique and was a Light Attribute Martial Artist.
“We will make sure that he shares it with all of us. Let’s directly head for Forest of Tears. As long as we reach it before Raban’s group, then we can capture them and force Ryan to tell us the secret method of plucking them,” Yate said with a murderous expression.
Everyone agreed with his suggestion and they increased their pace.
Ch.25
Lachesis returned
within ten minutes of leaving. She silently entered into Ryan’s clothes before disappearing into the Hell Mantis Vector tattoo on his chest. Lachesis had Innate Abilities similar to those of wraiths, because of which Raban and the rest were again unable to see or sense her.
“Lachesis, you were awesome,” Ryan couldn’t help but compliment Lachesis as a big smile appeared on his face. She had finished off the Evil spirits within record time.
“Titititi!” Lachesis made some weird sound in happiness, as she loved being complimented by him. Ryan then channeled Death Sword’s pure Death Elemental Energy to her via the connection between them, as he could tell what she wanted due to that connection too. Lachesis was overjoyed when she once again started to receive such extremely pure Death Elemental Energy from Ryan. She started to devour it like a Black Hole.
“I wonder where all the Death Elemental Energy goes in that small body?” Ryan thought to himself as a smile appeared on his face.
Ryan and his fellow group-members continued to move towards Forest of Tears without stopping anywhere.
They wished to reach it at the earliest.
Ryan’s family was looking at the screen showing Ryan in a concerned manner. They were certain that he would not be able to procure a Nascent Soul Fruit even if he were to have an Undead legion under his control. In the past, someone had already tried to use Undead creatures to get Nascent Soul Fruits, but he’d failed terribly. His Undead creatures had been killed the moment they’d tried to pluck the Nascent Soul Fruit from the branches of a Soul Devouring Immortal Tree Spirit.
It was not just them: everyone else in Sundering Valley had similar thoughts. Earlier, Emilia had deliberately not stopped Ryan from using this strategy as she wanted him to learn from his failures.
On the other hand, Sheldon, Danr and Brian were looking at the screen that was showing Ryan with a look of disbelief: it was as if they had seen a ghost.