Jizhong

With Tomie's help, Zhang Chen's Flesh and Blood Ability had been enhanced.

An immensely powerful life force emanated from the central area. However, its owner still seemed to be in deep hibernation, though the situation was far from optimistic—the hibernation state was slowly changing.

The intense firelight in the center was because the humanoid creatures living here appeared to be conducting some ancient ritual. They used flames to roast the life form sleeping at the center. Someone resembling a "shaman" chanted nearby, while more than ten leader-like creatures offered up their own blood as sacrifices.

Everything they were doing was clearly meant to awaken the creature at the center.

"If that thing wakes up, this will become very troublesome."

With his Flesh and Blood Ability now enhanced, Zhang Chen began searching every part of the cave in all directions.

"The aura drifting out from inside this cave entrance feels different. Could it be an exit?" After inspecting all the caves in the central region, Zhang Chen discovered an unusual spot.

"There's no time to think too much. If I stay here until that thing wakes up, it may directly lock onto my position. I'll check out this unusual cave first. Even if it isn't an exit, I can think of something else afterward."

The cave was located diagonally above. Zhang Chen concealed his aura and silently entered the passage, while the "natives" behind him continued their awakening ritual.

"Crackle, crackle!"

Blazing flames roasted a milky-white creature curled into a ball. At a glance, it resembled the Jiren nearby, but upon closer inspection, black, hard carapace could be seen around its abdomen and the joints connecting its body.

The flames did not inflict any burns upon the creature's body. Instead, they caused the cells inside it to transition from dormancy to