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Solar Blood Masters (62)
🕑 Added 2024-10-28 17:01:01 +0000 UTCChapter 62 - Dark Swamp Gorge
"Hissss... Sssso much energy! I feel like bursting!” Lu Jade was practically vibrating with excitement as radiant sunstones circled him in a hypnotic dance.
In his large form, he sat in a meditative posture with his tail coiled neatly beneath; a coiled spring of vivid emerald green. Above him, a massive Sun Cycle spun slowly, showering him in those warm, invigorating rays.
He was finally putting the treasures to good use, as well as those techniques he’d been forced to suppressed for so long.
“Qi Hawk was right! I might actually become a Calamity within a few thousand years! Ahahaha!”
His laughter died down when he noticed a spatial distortion appeared.
"Hmm?"
From the heart of a golden mirror, Raphael stepped out.
“Hm, Saint Ruler 5th Layer! Amazing! Qi Hawk’s treasures truly are working wonders on this little snake." He marveled at his companion’s progress.
"Those sunstones. I also noticed an inscription on that Sun Cycle. It is a ‘Jade Sun Cycle’? Hmmm. Fascinating!"
Lu Jade cracked open an eye and glanced towards his big brother. "Big Brother! Are you heading out?"
"Yeah! I’m gonna be gone for a while. Need to locate a tree."
“Good luck!” Without asking for details, Lu Jade quickly returned to his meditation. His thoughts of ascending, of mastering his techniques were too alluring to be interrupted, especially after what he'd endured these past few days.
“Latersss, Big Brother!”
Raphael nodded. He wasn't bothered by Lu Jade's abrupt dismissal. It was what he expected. "Don’t exhaust yourself.” Then he turned and exited the room.
He had more pressing matters.
…
A short while later.
“Hmmm, so this is the pathway.”
Stepping out of a Skybridge Dais, he found himself standing on a moss covered cliff face with the familiar scent of pine needles and fresh wind that permeated Qi Hawk’s territory. He noticed golden pathways leading towards magnificent trees that he’d admired on his first journey.
Today’s trip however wasn't a sightseeing tour, and after checking Zhu Jian to confirm the location and direction… he unfolded his mighty wings and launched into the sky.
“The Dark Swamp Gorge! It is South-East, three hundred miles from here.”
As he flew, he saw a clash in the distant skies. A flaming peacock with a broken leg was locked in a battle with a large shrimp who’d manifested a cloud that dripped acidic rain with ease. Both were Calamities, a sight he’d probably become excited about during his first few days in Yama Yaguai, but today, those distractions of battles, well, they held no appeal for his essence was fixated on a goal.
He saw a small crowd gathering, some even cheering, he then pushed onward, shaking his head in disbelief at how easily entertained those lesser creatures truly were.
"A Calamity fight…? Child’s play!”
…
“There it is… but it…”
Hovering above his destination, Raphael gazed down with a shiver, which he dismissed as chilled breeze dancing across his fur.
It was nighttime, and the moon graced the Dark Swamp Gorge with its rays.
It was a desolate landscape of tangled trees with branches that twisted at unnatural angles. A murky blackness occupied the gaps between those ancient woods, broken only by pockets of luminescence emanating from bizarre plants.
A cacophony of rustling, hissing, and gurgling sounds rose from those depths; a chilling orchestra of sounds that had his instincts screaming, ‘DANGER!’
"Hmmm, quite the location for an intelligent tree to reside in.” He then took a deep breath and remembered that feeling back in that hellish domain where he almost perished.
“Well, I’ve survived that bastard Lu Ignis’s wrath, what’s there to fear now!”
With a determined snort, Raphael took the plunge, nosediving down into the darkness.
He landed on something soft.
"Hmmmm, is that grass? Strange texture and this warmth…?”
He took a step forward and his hooves began to sink. A squelching sound followed his every move.
“Mud…? This is no grassy field. I’ve landed on a swamp?!” He pulled a hoof free, shaking off the muck. "This mission is off to a bad start."
Ignoring the uneasiness and that urge to take flight once more to safer realms, he pressed onward, following Zhu Jian's path deeper into the treacherous woods.
“Those sounds… so strange, yet…” Raphael stopped and listened. This was his new world, one he’d have to conquer to even grasp a chance at becoming human again.
From the depths of that shadowy jungle, a low growl vibrated, followed by the rustling of leaves. Something was approaching.
It slunk out of the shadows; sleek and black.
The Sagewood script manifested without command.
…
Basalt Back Jaguar: A creature known for its stealth and ferocity. Its fur is as dark as night, its paws silent, but the true danger comes from those basalt crystals, grown directly from its very hide. One touch from those sharp crystal can turn a beast into stone. Its cultivation is currently 5th layer Great Ordeal stage. Be wary of those piercing gaze.
…
“So that’s what those black glistening bits are? Truly something." Raphael watched the jaguar circling him with predatory eyes. He then waved a hoof at it. “Go on then. You wouldn’t want a taste of my ‘Midas Touch’, would you?”
The jaguar snarled before disappearing back into the dense woods.
He continued deeper. A chirping sound echoed through the trees.
A flash of red zipped past, perching upon a twisted branch.
“I’ve never seen those creatures before.”
Zhu Jian flickered again:
…
Delmine Root Finch: A small bird native to Dark Swamp Gorge. They are known for their beautiful plumage of crimson, gold, and sapphire blue. These birds feed on poisonous roots. And can launch toxic roots like needles from their mouths. It is said that a Delmine Root Finch, can grow to a colossal size exceeding those of even the largest serpents, however, their lifespans are usually short, only 70 thousand years, therefore, seeing one at the peak of its evolution, Calamity stage is very rare indeed.
…
“Hmm? So tiny… so delicate… and such a terrifying lineage. How strange, this realm’s creatures.”
He continued following the path while occasionally meeting creatures that seemed as baffled by his presence as he was by theirs.
…
Devil Core Golem: Massive entities crafted from compacted volcanic rock, animated by potent Solar Consciousness trapped within their cores. They resemble statues and can blend into the environment like a deadly camouflage. Be wary of their explosive fists. Their cultivation is unpredictable and dependent on the soul’s trapped within.
…
Dark Valley Swamp Rat: These large rodents are known for their sharp teeth and their ability to tunnel through anything they come across. They feed on anything and love hoarding shiny objects. Be wary of their sharp teeth and their deadly claws that carry toxins that cause fever and hallucinations, but their true power comes from their tails that are capable of storing potent essence that explodes upon impact. This one’s cultivation is Early Nightmare 7th Layer. It seems it is close to transcending.
…
Fire Tail Raven: Those birds were considered omens back in those human lands. Here, however, they simply exist as pests. The feathers from their fiery tails can ignite easily and cause explosions. Most are at Early Nightmare Stage but their flock is formidable.
…
Tianguin Gatoroid: A descendant of the ancient Tianguin crocodile lineage, they are fearsome predators who reside within murky swamps and poisonous lakes, rarely leaving those watery depths. Their cultivation varies from Buddhist Pill to Saint Ruler Stage. This one in front of you is Saint Ruler 6th Layer, be wary of his immense jaws!
…
Love Sickle Fish: A strange fish that releases potent pheromones to attract their prey. They then latch onto their victim’s legs with their razor-sharp mandibles and proceed to devour their essence, those that taste the pheromones becomes obsessed with mating until their energies are completely depleted. Be careful, they love targeting those with weak minds. And judging from your recent encounter with Bat General Melissa…
“Ahem!” Raphael almost choked. “Zhu Jian, carry on.”
“Affirmative.”
…
Bubble Fly Lumen: Tiny creatures that resemble a cluster of bubbles filled with bioluminescent algae that produce a soothing, pulsating light. Their glow illuminates the darkest corners of the Swamp Gorge but beware, their light is also a trap. Should their delicate skin be pierced, these creatures explode, unleashing a debilitating shockwave that stuns and confuses, those with weak souls could get devoured by predators in those moments of dizziness.
…
Raphael was walking when a swarm of Bubble Fly Lumen, blocked his path. He gently lowered his massive head, snorting those fragrant gases away with his powerful breath. It was an act more of respect than fear.
He then carefully navigated his path around them and watch with fascination as these delicate glowing beings pulsed softly to some unheard melody. Such delicate creatures, thriving in this dreadful and hostile landscape, truly awe-inspiring.
"And now, Zhu Jian, how do I find this ‘Almeez’ tree?"
The Sagewood Script materialized before his snout.
“Unfortunately, that information is not within my databanks. All I know is that they reside somewhere in this Gorge."
“So much use you are. Your knowledge is outdated.” He huffed before absorbing the script back into his forehead.
This quest was turning out to be more troublesome than he'd anticipated, for it seemed he had to rely on those instincts Shao Jin possessed now, and one instinct was bugging him.
He could smell the trees in this swamp, they had an energy unlike anything he’d encountered. It had dark aura, and was calling him deeper, but also warning him of hidden dangers within.
A thrilling mystery he was eager to solve!
