Conflict in the Shadows

The heavy snow continues amidst the Thousand Mountains Stone Forest.

Linsey and Red continued their journey through the snowstorm, but their mindset was quite different from before.

They already know the true situation in Black Mountain.

They even obtained a lot of crucial information! The Chaos Dominator called Dark Abyss is scheming against the Dragon Beast, and the two sides are becoming increasingly estranged.

They took advantage of the superficial relationship between the two guys.

The destination of this trip can be reached in many different ways.

But amidst the wind and snow, stepping on the snow-covered ground, Linsey still asked Red, "Red, are you sure you want to go to Black Mountain?"

"The power emanating from that Dragon Beast could very well cause the soul within you to revive once more. If she returns in her full glory, it will be beyond what you and a single [Mad Wisdom Wood Core] can suppress."

Red's voice sounded extremely firm amidst the heavy snow, "Linsey, I do know my origins now."

"But that doesn't mean the Dragon Beast's malice towards me has disappeared."

"That thing's power comes from this body. In the past, due to various concerns, it was both greedy and cowardly, and could only hide me in the far reaches of the world; but once it gained the confidence to deal with these problems, how could it possibly let me go?"

Linsey replied with a smile:

"So it seems we're aligned on the same goal now?"

Red's expression hardened, and she said in a very serious tone, "Linsey, on the day I woke up, or rather, on the first day of my birth."

"I still can't forget that scene."

"You said that what we're about to embark on is an exciting adventure!"

"I still firmly believe in this, and I will absolutely not give up halfway!"

That reminded Linsey.

He recalled the Revivalist corpse he had just found in the cave.

Apart from the one whose body was completely destroyed after his self-destruction, the bodies of the other two Revivalist were simply burned by Linsey.

After all, this thing can live and die, and die and live again.

It's definitely a destabilizing factor.

Especially after killing it, the only materials it gives are the simplest Bone Meal, making it arguably Linsey's least favorite prey!

He pondered the content of his conversations with these Revivalist.

A highly probable hypothesis immediately came to mind. "Red, our current situation may not be very good."

Hongwei turned her gaze slightly to the side. "What have you discovered this time?"

Linsey began:

"Do you remember why these Revivalist came here?"

Hong certainly wouldn't forget. "Because Dark Abyss noticed the unusual activity in Crystal Valley, they sent them to investigate."

Linsey continued to advance the topic:

"So where is Dark Abyss now?"

Hong replied without hesitation:

"Black Mountain."

Linsey then revealed her true concerns. "Yes, Black Mountain. But the journey from Black Mountain to Thousand Mountains Stone Forest is almost half a world away. Given such a vast distance, how could Dark Abyss not only detect the changes in time but also issue orders to the Revivalist in Thousand Mountains Stone Forest!"

Hong immediately realized. "This means they have a long-distance communication method!"

"That's right." Linsey nodded in affirmation. "If we assume the worst, the fact that we took action against these Revivalist has even been discovered by them through these means!"

Linsey then presented two opposing facts:

"Dark Abyss hopes that you can devour the power of the Dragon Beast and restore the original Extinction Crown, so he must hope that you can reach Black Mountain smoothly."

"But on the other hand, the Dragon Beast would never want to see such a thing happen."

"It must have wanted to completely devour this body. But it would only do that after it was sure it was safe."

Hong nodded in agreement:

"Therefore, we should find a way to turn this unfavorable situation into an advantage. The conflict between the Dragon Beast and the Dark Abyss is the best condition we can take advantage of right now!"

"..."

Linsey was about to express her thoughts.

But at that moment, he stopped in his tracks.

Because on the Map Skill, Linsey saw Red Dot appear ahead again, and this time there were a total of 5! In this grand blizzard.

What are the odds of encountering Devil Beast roaming around everywhere?

"Speak of the devil, and he appears," Linsey remarked, then immediately informed the girl beside her, "Red, another Revivalist is approaching."

Hong then revealed a confident smile:

"I understand, this is our chance!"

"..."

As Linsey and Red traveled through the heavy snow, discussing how to make use of all these environmental factors.

On the Black Mountain.

The slender figure once again reached the summit of the Mountain Peak and stood at the entrance to the Dragon Beast's lair.

He bowed forward, hiding his face in shadow, and spoke with utmost respect:

"My lord, I have already sent people to Thousand Mountains Stone Forest to investigate the situation."

"But according to their reports, you have unleashed a terrible blizzard in that land, which will likely greatly hinder the actions of your loyal men."

The Dragon Beast didn't even leave its lair.

Its voice echoed from the dark cave, and a chilling aura lingered among the mountain peaks:

"My ethnic group chose betrayal."

"I granted them the only freedom in this world, without the need to contribute their Essence. But they defied my orders and trespassed into forbidden lands."

"I can forgive them, or I can destroy them!"

The slender figure immediately produced a pre-prepared reason:

"But, my lord, your advancement involves plundering the world's Essence, which is closely related to the state of the entire world!"

"A minor weather change will certainly not cause any trouble."

"However, such a widespread and prolonged blizzard will inevitably affect the state of the earth, which will greatly impact your advancement!"

The frail figure thought the Dragon Beast would accept his advice.

But the next second...

The voice from the Dragon Beast's lair decisively replied, "They are challenging my dignity; this is an unacceptable act of rebellion!"

The thin figure quickly said, "Sir, we should prioritize the greater good!"

"As long as you can successfully advance to the Eighth Stage, regardless of your ethnicity or..."

"Enough!" The Dragon Beast suddenly interrupted the figure's advice. The next second, a deafening roar resounded throughout the heavens and earth, "I will definitely advance successfully, this matter will absolutely not fail!"

Rumble—

The massive Mountain Peak began to tremble, and the majestic and oppressive voice of the Dragon Beast echoed between the glacier and the lonely Black Mountain: "I am the master of Black Mountain, the ruler of the world."

"This power is destined to belong to me, and no one can take it away from me!"

"Dark Abyss, I am grateful for your guidance over the past century, but in this world today, I am the one destined for destiny!"

"..."

My loyalty to you is as clear as the sun and the moon!

The figure fell silent for a moment.

He almost immediately abandoned his advice and replied firmly in the blink of an eye:

"My lord, everything is as you wished!"

"I also believe from the bottom of my heart that everything in the Black Mountain World will submit to your will!"

"..."

A few seconds of silence followed in the Dragon Beast's lair, before the cold voice rang out:

"Now that you know, go and do what you're supposed to do."

"..."

"Your will, my respected sir."

A slender figure bowed in greeting.

A shadow crossed his face, which he had been hiding, before he hurriedly went down the mountain.