Xu Yuan smiled.
He had fought an Ancient God Official before.
Ming He's strength had been formidable.
Her powers favored direct combat, and their force was immense. Ordinary cultivators could not withstand her at all.
But what tricks did this giant mass of flesh have?
Xu Yuan pondered, then said casually:
"We'd just faced several Monster attacks. After they were all over, that Iron Coffin fell from midair and sprang open with a clang. There was nothing inside."
"My teammates saw it with me. If you don't believe me, ask them."
Everyone nodded.
"That's right. We all saw the Iron Coffin fall. There really was nothing inside."
Marcelo chimed in.
He had a habit of laughing first—a hearty "ha ha"—before saying what he wanted in a cheerful, easygoing tone.
An inexplicable aura radiated from him.
It was infectious.
It inspired trust.
Most importantly, what he said was true.
Xu Yuan had told the truth too.
—He had obtained the bone fragments while everyone was still fighting.
After the fighting ended, the Iron Coffin had fallen a second time.
So his account of the Iron Coffin's second fall had truly happened.
Everyone could vouch for it.
The giant mass of flesh writhed silently for a moment, then said with waning interest:
"You needn't go any farther down. There's nothing below. You'd be better off working for me."
"Working for you?" Marcelo cried.
He glanced at Joaquin, apology in his eyes.
Captain, I'm not trying to cut in.
I'd just activated my Bard's social skills and was about to talk this Monster around. Who knew it would say something like that?
I couldn't help myself!
Joaquin understood. He shook his head to show he didn't mind.
—Negotiating with Monsters was Marcelo's specialty anyway. He might as well let him handle it.
With