Alone and Infinite.

Chapter 170 The Entanglement of the Qilin: The Secrets of the World

Alvin took the list, gave Li Xia a strange look, and after thinking for a moment, couldn't help himself.

He leaned closer and whispered:

"You're losing out by choosing this, aren't you?"

His greasy, thick fingers tapped on the weapons and armor section, his eyes darting around.

Like a thief: "These are the truly valuable ones!"

Li Xia chuckled. Alvin was right; in terms of value alone, weapons and main armor were indeed more valuable than belts.

If the Dragon King's One Eye were on the list, he would definitely choose it without hesitation.

It's not on the list.
If it weren't for the special attribute that doesn't take up an equipment slot, the price of the [Qilin Belt] would probably be a quarter of that of weapons and armor.

The current value of the [Qilin Belt] is roughly two-thirds that of weapons and armor.

However, equipment selection should not be done in this way. In addition to value, the suitability of the equipment should also be considered.

The [Qilin Belt] increases the maximum physical strength and is effective before the fourth tier.

This attribute is much more important to me than to the other apostles, because the Eight-Nine Arcane Arts can also increase the physical limit.

Physical strength is hard to improve. It's okay if it's low, like going from 1 to 2. It's not difficult. You can always improve it by spending some effort.

However, it is difficult to advance from level 2 to level 3, and the physical strength that can be improved by using low-level drugs has great limitations, which is equivalent to limiting oneself.

Rather than improving physical strength, apostles prefer to use equipment; level 2 armor can easily provide a defense strength of 5 or even 6.

The best purple heavy armor can even reach a defense strength of 7, which is much easier than working yourself to death and spending resources to improve your physical strength.

Li Xia's gaze swept over the several heavy armors on the list; their defensive strength was indeed high, and their attributes were also quite good.

unfortunately
The focus was on the negative attributes of heavy armor.
Heavy Armor: Agility reduced by 20%, maximum speed reduced by 20%, Dexterity -2.

Most importantly, after upgrading, the equipment's effects are immediately reduced by 8%, unless you spend a lot of money to upgrade the equipment.

In conclusion, it was a losing proposition!
At the highest point of the mountain range, Li Xia slowly opened his eyes, and the flow of true qi within his body gradually slowed down.

After several hours of circulation, the True Qi value had recovered to 50%, and after being hit by a storm, the 30% of health lost was completely restored.

Such a terrifying recovery speed would leave warriors speechless and mages in tears.

Even with meditation, it would take a normal mage about 24 hours to fully restore their mana. Deep sleep would be more efficient at restoring mana, but even an apostle cannot remain in deep sleep indefinitely.
"Your Highness, Alvin was looking for you, but he went back after hearing that you were recuperating."

Awoo lazily lifted its head from Li Xia's shoulder. Its passive skill [Auspiciousness] is very useful, so it is usually used as an accessory when cultivating.

They can also take on roles like voicemail or assistant.

After Li Xia finishes his cultivation, he will relay the message.

"Is the equipment ready?"

Li Xia's heart stirred, and he stood up and casually asked.

"That's probably right. I reckon the Dragon Academy already has technological reserves in various areas, and improving physical strength is one of the most important aspects for hunters."

Awoo scratched its ear with its paw. It always saw Heitan scratching his chin, and after seeing it so often, it felt uncomfortable on its own, so it would want to scratch itself whenever it had nothing to do.

"The belt is a very simple piece of equipment, so it should be quick, right?"

Li Xia nodded silently, his body floating lightly as he flew towards the stronghold below.

In just a few hours, the entire base seemed to have changed completely.

The hunters' efficiency was astonishing; the main buildings of the branch camp, catering area, industrial area, rest area, and airship docking area had all been completely built.

The planting area was covered with a thick layer of soil, and the planting support staff were carefully sowing seeds into the soil.

Because Steel Dragon loves wind, the nest it chose is practically a wind tunnel, and it's also located high in the mountains.

Strong winds blow here year-round.

The Hunter's Guild immediately erected a tall windmill to draw water from the mountain's river, and even installed a mechanically powered 'elevator'.

"Where's the charcoal?"

Li Xia strolled through the outpost, watching the busy hunters, and seemed to sense a vibrant energy emanating from their enthusiastic enthusiasm.

Aowu pointed to the distance and said, "I heard that the general store has received a new batch of musical instruments. Also, the plant and animal researchers have cultivated brand new gunpowder grass and explosive bugs."

He paused slightly in his steps: "Yes, it's good to have your own hobbies."

The man and the dragon walked to the main camp of the branch stronghold. Alvin's loud voice could be heard from afar. As the deputy leader of the branch stronghold, he was a powerful figure.

He was practically frantic with work, so he just hurriedly handed him the box that the airship had brought, gave him an apologetic look, and then went back to his busy scheduling duties.

After finishing their shopping, Black Charcoal and Awoo poked their heads over together.

Li Xia didn't hesitate and opened it directly:

【The Entanglement of the Qilin】

[Grade: Dark Purple (Tier 2)]

[Origin: Monster Hunter - Dark Night Research Laboratory 2, Ryukiin Institute]

【Category: Special Category/Belt】

[Durability: 70/70]

[Equipment Requirements: Physical Strength ≥ 2]

1. Energy Storage Belt: Can absorb lightning-attribute attacks or electrical energy, with a maximum storage capacity of 2000 points.

2. Energy Release: You can freely choose to release stored energy to stimulate the body, with a range of 10 points/hour to 200 points/hour.

3. Lightning Tempering: When electrical energy is released, it continuously tempers the body, subtly increasing the upper limit of physical strength and lightning resistance.

4. Assisted Training: When electrical energy is released, physical training efficiency increases by 1%–15%.
Body Tempering Limit: Physical Strength < 6
Resistance cap: 120 points

5. Special Equipment/Belt: Does not occupy an equipment slot.
[Comment: Would any hunter really want equipment that's only good for training and has no effect in combat? —Dragon Academy Dark Night Investigation Team]

"Brilliant!"

Awoo used the interjection it had just learned to express its opinion on the equipment.

Black Charcoal nodded, echoing the same sentiment:

"Meow!"

That's really impressive. Li Xia didn't expect that Longli Academy could produce the equipment he wanted in such a short time.

With this change, the belt, which originally served as both offensive and defensive equipment, was transformed into a purely auxiliary item.

The upper limit for body tempering was originally ≤5, but now it has become <6.

The maximum resistance has also been increased by 20 points.

The term "assistance cultivation" has also been added.

It perfectly met Li Xia's needs. He reached out and picked up the belt. It was slightly cool to the touch, with a slightly tingling sensation.

The main material of this belt is the skin of a Qilin (a mythical creature), and the opening is carved with a Qilin head on the front.

The moment it was fastened to his waist, blue and white electric sparks began to flow along the belt.

Li Xia looked down and nodded in satisfaction. The Dragon Academy was quite meticulous, having filled the 2000 points.

He selected the lowest value of 10 points per hour, and bright electric sparks immediately shot up from his belt before disappearing into Li Xia's body.

Li Xia's body stiffened for a moment, all her muscles tensed, and then she slowly relaxed.

I carefully felt my body.

Hmm. I didn't feel anything special, but when the current first entered my body, there was a tingling sensation.

It's so faint now that you probably wouldn't even notice it if you didn't pay close attention.

Li Xia patted the charcoal-colored head and waved:
"Let's go, let's rest for a few more hours, and then we'll set off!"

“Hmm—Miasma Relief Pill. Star-shaped Dried Meat and Fruit Elimination Pill.” The observer fiddled with the supplies he had specially brought before leaving the branch base, and then picked up a strange-looking mask.

Although hunters also use masks, the one in his hand was rather strange.

This gray mask has two cylindrical shapes that resemble pig noses.

The lining also features an extremely soft yet remarkably effective sealing ring.

"Partner—what is this?"

Unable to understand, Aibo simply picked up his mask and pointed it at Li Xia, who was sitting cross-legged in front of the airship.

"Gas masks are quite effective against toxic gases that don't have strong penetrating power."

This is a small gadget that every apostle always carries. It is made by the staff and is quite cheap because it is not considered equipment.

You can buy five items with 50 points, or get two free when you buy ten.

In addition, the apostles would always keep on hand items such as ultra-compressed oxygen cylinders. Based on some unknown black technology, these mineral water-sized bottles could provide oxygen for 24 hours under normal circumstances.

There are also more advanced breathing masks that fit on the face and can filter oxygen directly from water or other sources.

Gas mask?

Looking at the various medications in his hand that could remove abnormal conditions, the observer's eyes slowly widened.

"Partner, are we going to some place with highly poisonous gas?"

Li Xia nodded, and the prompt image given by the Hall of Light appeared before his eyes.

"The Valley of Miasma, at its lowest level."

The observer couldn't help but shudder at just seven words.

According to the records in the guild, the Valley of Miasma is the lowest level of the entire ecological balance of the New World.

The corpses of dragons and monsters piled up like mountains here, and after decomposition and fermentation, they formed extremely toxic miasma.

The dense miasma at the bottom of the valley is so intense that even dragons, which are extremely resistant to miasma, cannot tolerate it and can only spend a few hours a day in the miasma.

Even so, the few creatures that lived in the Valley of Miasma all turned into irrational and extremely violent monsters.

In other words, the Valley of Rotten Vale is a forbidden zone for hunters—no, a forbidden zone for most creatures!
Aibo took a few deep breaths, and the panic in his eyes gradually turned into determination.

What is a legend? It's simply daring to go to places that normal people can't reach and recording them.

You can do it, Abbot!
The observer carefully put away the gas mask, tidied up the supplies, and sat in a corner to cheer himself up.

Li Xia shared the map with Aowu and Heitan. This extremely rudimentary map didn't contain much information.

A snake-like pattern was drawn, with a circle near the snake's tail.

Of the text prompts, only the "Valley of Miasma" is relatively clear in its direction.

"Your Highness, could it be that we're going to find a snake, and the thing is hidden on the snake's body?"

Awoo started to let its imagination run wild. Actually, it wasn't under any pressure. What kind of miasma could poison a mud body?

"Meow!"

The charcoal raised its claws.

Li Xia and Aowu looked at it together, and saw that Heitan meowed seriously for a long time.

"Hmm—a serpentine mountain range, with a cave at its tail?"

Li Xia pinched her chin and nodded, agreeing that what Heitan said might be true.

"Let's go and see for ourselves first."

In fact, Li Xia had been to the Valley of Miasma in the game, but he would never use his experience in the game to apply to the derivative world.

In the game, areas like the Ancient Forest, Coral Highlands, and Elder's Recess can be circled by a character in just ten minutes.

But how big was the ancient tree forest that Li Xia actually saw?

It's bigger than the Amazon rainforest!!
The Coral Highlands are comparable to Lake Hongze, and the Elder's Recess is even more exaggerated, as big as Greenland!
How do I get the game's experience set?
It's completely unusable; the only useful aspects are some settings and monsters.

Just as Aowu and Black Charcoal were brainstorming away, the airship pilot's voice came from the copper pipe beside them:
"Master, we've arrived at the Coral Plateau!"

"Okay, let's stop right here."

Li Xia stood up, and Aowu and Heitan followed suit. The observer hurriedly slung his beloved little bag over his shoulder.

Actually, Li Xia didn't want to bring the observer, since the Valley of Miasma was extremely dangerous, but she insisted on coming. Later, she thought that the observer was very good at identifying terrain and searching for traces.

In the end, they reluctantly agreed to the observer's request.

The airship stopped about a kilometer above the Coral Highlands. This was the edge of the area; beyond that lay the territory of the Wind Dragons.

These dragons aren't particularly strong, but they have a very strong sense of territory and are wary of anything that flies in the sky.

Unless it's certain it can't win, it will still try to scratch you a few times.

The super-large hot air balloon of the third group was blown up by Feng Piaolong, and they lost contact for more than ten years before they were only recently reconnected.

The hatch opened, and a strong gust of air, accompanied by a mournful howl, immediately rushed in.

His clothes and hair immediately began to tremble violently.

Li Xia stood at the doorway and glanced back. Hei Tan had already put on his goggles and glider, and was making an "OK" sign with his little cat paw.

The airship operators behind him stood in a row. The captain nodded to Li Xia and punched his chest with his fist.
"May the blue stars in the sky guide you, and may you return victorious once again, Master!"

Li Xia nodded at them: "Awoo, Black Charcoal, Aibo, let's go!"

Four figures leaped from the airship with remarkable freedom, their unfolded gliding suits propelling them rapidly above the coral reef.

The flight speed was undoubtedly extremely fast. About twenty minutes later, a huge hole appeared in front of them, and violent air currents formed visible columns of air that roared upwards.

This is the entrance to the Valley of Miasma. Li Xia paused slightly and made a gesture.

Aowu immediately flew over and grabbed the observer's shoulders with its claws, while Heitan grabbed Li Xia's belt, just like last time.

After they were tied together with the connecting rope, a faint white flame rose from Li Xia's body.

Like a meteor, it rushed into the column of airflow and flowed downstream in an extremely flamboyant manner.

As soon as he entered the airflow, Li Xia felt tremendous resistance. With his Flying Technique unleashed at full power, he struggled to fly down the dark cave entrance.

Finally, he simply took a large, heavy bag of ore out of his spatial storage and held it in his hands.

As the sunlight gradually dimmed, the airflow from the cave entrance grew stronger and stronger. In the final darkness, only the eerie screams of the ejected airflow sent chills down one's spine.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but just as Li Xia was beginning to doubt whether the cave had any bottom at all.

Suddenly, a dim yellow light pierced through the darkness and quietly appeared.

As if it had reached a certain critical point, the surging airflow suddenly disappeared.

Caught off guard, Li Xia almost crashed into the ground. He quickly adjusted his position and used a low-altitude Rattlesnake maneuver to pull his entourage up, allowing them to land safely.

The surroundings were filled with a light similar to that of dusk, not intense, but carrying a deathly aura like that of twilight.

Li Xia's gaze casually swept around before settling on something.

A strong sense of shock quietly appeared in their eyes.

The snake on the map—he knew what it was.

In the distance, a massive skeleton, as large as a mountain, lay silently before them.

It looks like the head of a snake.

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1. Monthly pass 2. Recommendation vote

(End of this chapter)