But how could one tolerate the snoring of another by their bedside? With a group of formidable enemies lurking nearby while his companions were engrossed in the transformation of the original crystal, it made one uneasy. Moreover, Edward and Anwen were not the same.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Qian Ye’s gaze gradually turned icy, and he said sternly, “Do you think you still have the right to negotiate now? No need for more words; we shall let our actions speak. I will once again test where the bloodline scion ranks within the crimson river!”
At that moment, Qian Ye had several powerful abilities yet to be utilized. Though Edward’s purplish-black blood aura was profound and vast, it was ultimately too thin. With his dark golden blood aura, Qian Ye was utterly fearless. The dark feather on the Primordial Wing had not been used yet. Once launched, even Edward might not withstand it.
Moreover, if the Vitality Raid were unleashed, Edward’s subordinates would be annihilated. When it came to a group battle, Qian Ye feared no one.
Edward’s face turned ashen with rage, and Dusk did not expect Qian Ye to become so resolute. She hastily said, “Then we will make another concession and offer three items for you to choose from. One of them is the secret of what we intend to do in the Well of Stars.”
Edward exclaimed in surprise, “How can this be?”
Dusk retorted, “Why not? This secret is not exclusive to us. Even if we do not reveal it, will the spider demons or other demon kin never leak it out?” Dusk continued, “Time is running out. We are not the only ones who can come here, and the Empire has more than just those three.”
Edward fell silent for a moment before finally nodding.
After consulting with Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan, Qian Ye replied, “Alright, we will take the secret. No need to bring out the items.”
Dusk, seemingly unsurprised by their choice, extended her hand, revealing a six-sided prism-like crystal. The prism was a faint red, reminiscent of blood crystal but with distinct differences.
As they gazed at the misty red fog within the prism, Li Kuanglan’s expression shifted, a sense of foreboding rising within her.
Dusk explained, “Your human race has the Cloud Pearl, and our bloodline clan has crafted the Blood Smoke Column. We can use it in the Well of Stars to draw star power and refine source blood, enhancing our bloodline abilities.”
Li Kuanglan immediately countered, “How is that possible? We humans have been using the Well of Stars long before acquiring the Cloud Pearl. The star power here is skewed towards dawn. How can it be useful to you?”
Instead of answering, Dusk asked, “Are all the countless stars in the well merely sources of dawn power?”
Li Kuanglan was momentarily speechless, unable to respond. In truth, she knew that the star power in the well was about a sixty-forty split between dawn and darkness, with many stars leaning towards dark energy. However, due to the abundance of resources in the Great Vortex, the dark races had never had a suitable tool to harness the star power, thus leaving the Well of Stars untouched.
“Well, now that we’ve revealed our secret regarding the Well of Stars, will you keep your word, or do you wish to start a war?”
This indeed posed a dilemma. Qian Ye glanced at Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan, already sensing their inclination. Both women, though proud and stubborn, were surprisingly persistent in principle. Having negotiated with the bloodline clan, they were inclined to accept the terms.
Qian Ye, however, believed that there was no need for niceties when eliminating enemies. Now was the perfect opportunity to dispose of Edward and his group. Edward could not escape the Original Gun, and even if he survived, he would be severely wounded, removing this dangerous threat from Qian Ye’s list. Unlike most strong figures, Qian Ye was willing to trade injuries for victory.
He reflected, realizing this mindset was influenced by Song Zining. Did the wiser individuals often disdain rules and covenants?
“Very well, you may stay. But you must find a different well,” Qian Ye stated.
“Is there another well here?” Dusk was surprised.
“A demon kind mentioned it. I’m unsure of its validity.”
Dusk pondered, “Fine, we will try. If we can’t find it, we’ll return.”
“Agreed,” Qian Ye nodded.
Once the blood clan retreated, Qian Ye asked, “What does it mean for the blood clan to also utilize the Well of Stars?”
Ji Tianqing dismissed the matter, “They likely see the Empire has been using it for a long time and want a share. But harvesting star power isn’t easy. They may end up exerting much effort for mediocre results.”
Li Kuanglan, however, shook her head, “Not necessarily. I carefully examined their Blood Prism Column, and both its structure and feel bear some resemblance to my Li family’s Cloud Pearl. The exterior is inconsequential. The Cloud Pearl is the result of my ancestors’ tireless efforts, not something easily replicated. So, I suspect there’s more to this story.”
“Maybe it’s connected to your Li family?” Ji Tianqing remarked without hesitation.
Li Kuanglan gave a bitter smile, “Perhaps.”
Transactions with the dark races had existed for ages, yielding both benefits and losses for the Empire. Qian Ye, seeing Li Kuanglan’s silent acquiescence, simply shook his head, choosing not to interject.
Li Kuanglan added, “If they can’t find another well and return, it could be advantageous. We can observe how they harvest star power and how the Blood Prism Column functions. Perhaps I’ll learn the extent of its difference from the Cloud Pearl.”
Nodding, Qian Ye led them to rest. After a moderate battle, none of them were in the best state to refine the original crystal and needed a day’s rest.
In the depths of the Great Vortex, within the high-gravity zone, a magnificent wolf darted through the forest, pausing occasionally to sniff and confirm its direction before vanishing in a burst of speed.
Deep in the woods, a girl stood. Her skin was slightly tanned, and her tall, statuesque figure exuded youthful vitality. Her hair was braided, with seashells and nuts adorning the ends.
Clad in a leather outfit, her thighs glistened as if oiled, and her slender, firm waist supported ample breasts, exuding an intense allure.
She looked anxiously around, a short hunting knife dancing in her fingers. Surrounding her lay several indigenous warriors, including a four-armed female fighter. Nearby, a tree bore visible signs of erosion, with traces of white mist lingering.
Unscathed and composed, she seemed to handle the group of warriors with ease.
It wasn’t long before a lightning-fast blur appeared, and the great wolf materialized before her, shaking its neck’s golden fur.
Delighted, the girl ran to the wolf, asking, “You escaped?”
The wolf shook its head, whispering, “I managed to sneak out for a moment, but I must return soon.”
Shocked, the girl queried, “Why? Haven’t you left already?”
“No! She is a demoness, nearly invincible in this Great Vortex with her weapon’s power. Neither you nor I can defeat her. She’s memorized my scent, and she can find me anywhere. If we’re together, she’ll capture us both!”
Stunned, the girl murmured, “So powerful?”
“Yes, that powerful!” the wolf’s eyes held grave seriousness.
“What should we do?” the girl clearly lost her composure.
Gently patting her head, the wolf advised, “You are the hope of the mountain peaks. Do you remember the place I told you about? Go there and wait for me. This is a high-gravity area, and though the six to seven times gravity poses no danger to us, the beasts and natives here are terrifying. I cannot leave you alone, so go in that direction.”
Pointing towards the initial zone, the wolf awaited her response.
Nodding hesitantly, the girl suggested, “But you are the true hope of the mountain peaks. Let me take your place. The young girl didn’t seem that cruel, perhaps she won’t kill me.”
The wolf quickly refuted, “Cruel? She killed the six-armed monster without hesitation. Besides, she loves furs and the color brown. I only escaped because she detests white.”
“Brown fur?” the girl shivered.
“Exactly!” the wolf’s tone grew even more serious.
“Alright, I’ll go where you said.” Reluctantly, the girl agreed, adding, “But I’ll leave markers along the way. If you manage to break free, follow them to find me.”
The wolf nodded.
Just then, a distant, clear whistle echoed through the forest. Hearing it, the wolf grew anxious, urging, “Taya, I must return, or she’ll capture you too! It’s almost night. Be careful.”
Touched by the wolf’s words, Taya, though reluctant to part, embraced the wolf’s head, saying, “The night can’t harm me. But, William, take care.”
“I will,” the wolf promised, turning and bounding back into the jungle.
Taya stood, gazing after the wolf until the night’s chill enveloped her, then dashed towards the initial zone.
The wolf streaked through the forest like lightning, halting suddenly to inspect the ground. At its feet, a flower bloomed and vanished. Knowing it had entered her alert range, the wolf nervously shook its neck fur, speeding towards a clearing.
In the center of the clearing, a campfire burned, surrounded by blooming flowers. Before the fire sat a girl resembling an elf, lost in the flames.
Sensing the wolf, she beckoned it.
Though wary of the flowers, the wolf approached and lay down. Absentmindedly, she stroked its golden fur, and the wolf, eyes closed, appeared content.
Sighing, the girl mused, “This place is vast. Do you think I’ll find him?”
“Woof!”
With a sigh, she lamented, “I forgot you can’t talk. But it’s better this way; these words shouldn’t be heard. If anyone knew, I’d have to kill them.”
The wolf shivered involuntarily.
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