Ancient Ark: A Dark-Themed Historical Survival Game

Chapter 139 Blood-Soaked Demon City

This was a very fruitful experience.

It far exceeded the team members' expectations.

This was also higher than Xiao Yu had expected.

The blood-red Bianliang was large in scale and had a relatively complex structure.

There are four routes in total, each of which can be divided into three levels and multiple branching paths. There are also multiple hidden areas and hidden bosses to challenge.

Only one area has been completed so far.

The harvest was already quite remarkable.

Of course, the main reason is that Xiao Yu's regional development is quite meticulous; in addition to eliminating the core BOSS Li Zhen, there are also ten hidden BOSSes.

None of them were spared.

Let someone else lead the team.

It's practically impossible!

Even someone as powerful as Ye Heshan, lacking both information about Xiao Yu's rebirth and the reconnaissance capabilities of the All-Seeing Eye, could never achieve such efficiency and rhythm.

This battle.

Xiao Yu's combat prowess.

It amazed everyone.

Su Qingmeng said in the internal communication channel: "He took down a BOSS whose actual strength was close to that of an overlord in just two rounds—I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. The Boss is truly the only man who can make my heart race!"

Wang Yang also said, "Everyone knew our leader was strong, but I didn't expect him to be this strong!"

Lu Dahai: "The captain is invincible!"

Crew members of the Wentian spacecraft.

They are still so enthusiastic.

Needless to say, there were also a few outsiders.

Chen Xi actually accumulated approximately 5 units of essence.

This is equivalent to the rewards from nearly a week of grinding or completing quests!

"I've already gained so much essence, how much must Great God Yu have gained? His strength will definitely reach a new level after this pioneering effort!"

Chen Xi couldn't see the actual amount of essence Xiao Yu had acquired; he could only guess.

Because the team's Qi contract is based on contribution points, the Heavenly Dao will automatically allocate Qi based on the overall contribution each time it is acquired.

It's not about who's the most capable gets the most.

The more you contribute, the more you receive.

Xiao Yu may have obtained nearly half of the total essence, but even if he obtained more essence, Chen Xi would not feel jealous or unfair.

This model is inherently fair, and it's not hard for anyone with eyes to see that Xiao Yu has actually already toned it down.

For example, in this battle.

After the others held off the smaller monsters,

Xiao Yu killed the corrupt Li Zhen as quickly as possible, but he did not actively "steal monsters" to obtain more essence, so most of the monsters were killed by other chosen ones.

Everyone saw and appreciated this act of leaving the soup for others after enjoying the meat themselves.

"Yu Dashen's abilities are in no way inferior to Ye Heshan's; he is also rational, wise, and righteous—almost a perfect leader."

Chen Xi's thoughts grew stronger.

Since arriving in "Old Chang'an" and coming into contact with more and more chosen ones, she has become increasingly aware of her own shortcomings.

The Hope is too weak in both strength and potential.

Unable to survive in the dangerous deep sea in the long run, she originally wanted to recruit top experts who could keep the situation in check, but upon closer inspection, this was not a long-term solution.

The Deep Sea Era.

The strong are respected.

If a captain lord does not have absolute strength as a foundation, his rule will inevitably be unstable and he will find it difficult to win the support of the people.

Why should someone as great as Yu Xiao, comparable to Ye Heshan, be their subordinate?

That's unrealistic!

He is capable, reliable, and of good character. It would be the best outcome if he could be parachuted into the Hope as its captain!

If we were to say that before...

I just had this idea.

After this battle, Chen Xi began to consider how to implement it.

After witnessing Xiao Yu's strength firsthand, Zhou Lie and Lu Chengfeng both felt a sense of awe—this was a true master who absolutely could not be offended and who they would have to curry favor with in the future!

After dividing the spoils.

Xiao Yu quickly activated the buoy.

This buoy is located on an official road. Once activated, it can travel dozens of miles and arrive at the target city in an instant.

The teleportation ended a few seconds later.

The river of blood and the execution ground are nowhere to be seen.

A huge city gate appeared before us.

The city gate tower was a full twenty feet tall, but it was already in ruins, with the bricks deformed and fleshy. A plaque covered with bloody fungal carpets could still be vaguely made out the three characters "Anyuan Gate".

You have entered "Bloody Bianliang"!

"This is the second level?"

"It's most likely true!"

"This is likely a nightmare scene modeled after Bianliang (Kaifeng) during the Later Liang Dynasty of the late Tang Dynasty!"

'

'

As they talked, they tried to observe the city, only to find that the entire city was shrouded in a thick, blood-red mist, making it impossible to see clearly with ordinary vision or even with Su Qingmeng's reconnaissance skills.

No further action is pending.

Suddenly I received a message from Ye Heshan.

The two team leaders immediately reported their progress and current status to each other.

"Congratulations, Brother Yu Xiao and everyone else, on successfully defeating the key corrupted being. You should have arrived in Blood City by now. Be extra careful from now on!"

You cannot send messages outside the Nightmare instance.

Players within the same instance can communicate with each other.

of course.

The premise is.

The signal was not blocked.

The deep-sea nightmare has a complex spatial structure.

There are many scenarios where shielding is required.

Su Qingmeng immediately asked, "Has Captain Ye also entered the Bloodstained Bianliang?"

"That's right. After defeating the first key evil, Ge Congzhou, we were teleported from Xuanwu Army Camp to Bianliang City. We should be in the same scene now."

Zhou Lie: "Then wouldn't it be possible for us to reunite and then challenge the big boss Zhu Wen together?"

"It's not that simple!"

Ye Heshan immediately briefed the other chosen ones on the current situation.

"This place is basically a maze, with many hidden areas and it's very difficult to find your way around."

"Moreover, every additional step we take results in additional pollution, meaning the more we move, the greater the pollution becomes, which severely limits our ability to move and explore."

"Although we've found two or three purification items that can lower the pollution level, the situation still looks extremely serious; the pollution level is already too high!"

'

Xiao Yu knew that the three-layered structure of the Bloodstained Bianliang Nightmare was roughly: the scene outside the city, the blood city scene, and the palace scene.

The first stage is the scene outside the city.

The White Horse Blood River line appears at the White Horse execution ground, while the Xuanwu Iron City line appears at the Xuanwu military camp.

The four routes are so far apart that they are almost impossible to connect.

The second phase takes place in the same large map area, but although it is not theoretically too far away, it is still difficult for them to meet up in one place.

As Ye Heshan said.

The blood-stained Bianliang was extremely polluted.

This pollution cannot be dispelled and restricts the movement of the Chosen Ones. Once the Chosen Ones get lost or go in the wrong direction, the pollution level will increase wildly, making it highly unlikely that they will be able to reach the Blood Emperor's Palace.

Not only that.

The second level has four formations.

These are the four key BOSS battlegrounds.

If the formation cannot be destroyed as much as possible before challenging Zhu Wen, the final boss battle will be significantly more difficult.

Therefore, whether it is to better develop Nightmare, gain more benefits, or to conquer Nightmare and defeat Zhu Wen, we must never combine our forces!

especially.

We're short-staffed this time.

Only two teams are challenging!

The Chosen Ones entering Blood City from the Xuanwu Iron City line will pass through a military camp containing several powerful Corrupted BOSSes, each of which is worth killing.

The core evil spirit guarding the formation was Yang Shihou, the pillar of the Later Liang dynasty.

Xiao Yu couldn't directly tell Ye Heshan the exact location of the corrupted BOSS, but he could point out the general direction through hints and deductions.

Although the two teams had some competition during the Nightmare difficulty progression, they shared the same goal.

The rewards that Xiao Yu truly valued, besides the first drop of the Tang Dynasty's usurper Zhu Wen, were actually the Nightmare Treasure Chest rewards.

After all, treasure chests not only have a chance to drop Soul Crystals, Soul Weapons, and Heroic Spirits, but also guarantee a large amount of purple materials.

The size of the treasure chest.

It is related to the degree of nightmare development.

The more corrupted beings and monsters the Chosen One kills, the larger the Nightmare Chest will be and the more abundant its rewards will be.

therefore.

Let morality be set aside.

Or other grand narratives.

Even from a purely profit-driven perspective, Xiao Yu hoped that Ye Heshan's team would be more efficient in order to increase the progress of this instance.

"I see!"

Ye Heshan is the leader of the top chosen ones.

Inspired by Xiao Yu, he immediately came up with a new idea.

"Brother Yu Xiao, thank you for your guidance. I'll try the new route now, hoping to find a way into the Blood Emperor's Demon Palace."

"You're welcome!"

The two teams have finished their exchange.

Xiao Yu led his team through the city gate.

A thick, foul-smelling mist of blood immediately enveloped us.

[You have been affected by the "Bianliang Demon Blood," and the deep-sea pollution you have suffered has intensified!]

[You have been affected by the "Bianliang Demon Blood," and the deep-sea pollution you have suffered has intensified!]

【————】

really!

As Ye Heshan said.

Once the chosen ones enter the blood-stained Bianliang City, they will be contaminated as soon as they move, and the rate at which the contamination increases is no less than that of the Baimayi area, which is shrouded in "historical resentment".

Most importantly, although the Baimayi historical resentment sculptures will continue to emit pollution, the carriers of this pollution can be dispelled, and therefore there is a possibility of resistance.

however.

it's here.

Pollution seems to have seeped into every space, and the chosen ones will inevitably be exposed to more pollution as long as they move within this space.

After entering the city.

Although the field of vision is limited.

But it's still not hard to tell.

The environment here is like a giant Asura slaughterhouse, with blood flowing on the ground that never dries up, and buildings constructed from piles of corpses.

The first batch of monsters appeared quickly.

[Blood-Slaying Greatsword Demon Soldier], Level 12 Elite Unit —

[Bloodbearded Spear Demon Soldier], Level 12 Elite Unit —

[Bloodbeam Archer Demon Soldier], Level 12 Elite Unit —

The Bloodbeam Demon Soldiers varied in height, weight, and the weapons they carried.

However, they were all humanoid monsters with pig heads and human bodies, standing two zhang tall. They not only had huge heads like wild boars and blood-red eyes, but their bloated bodies were also covered with deformed scales and bone spurs growing from their backs.

The individual strength of the demon soldiers in Bloodbeam City is slightly weaker than that of the White Horse Executioners.

However, they have higher density and quantity, and they also use battle formations and combination techniques.

When a dozen or twenty demon soldiers combine their strength for a single attack, its power can even shatter Zhao Gang's sacred shield.

Even if Xiao Yu is hit without warning, he will still suffer considerable damage.

Although it's a bit dangerous.

But this didn't stump Xiao Yu's team.

[You have collected the following loot: Soul Essence +2250, Demonic Soldier Heart +1, Bloodstained Scale +5, Bloodbeam Warbow +1, White Soul Stone +34!]

[You have picked up the loot, Soul Essence +2280 ————]

[You have picked up the loot, Soul Essence +2267 ————]

【————】

A dozen or so demon soldiers were easily dealt with!

The chosen ones seized the time to continue their advance and exploration, sweeping away monsters as they headed towards the Blood Emperor's Palace.

Xiao Yu relied on his all-knowing eye.

They can always spot the traps in Bloodbeam City in advance, find the ambushing demon soldiers, and always find the right path in the maze-like Bloodbeam City.

They wiped out hundreds of demon soldiers along the way.

The monster resources in this nightmare dungeon are quite abundant, and Xiao Yu earned another 10 essences in less than half an hour.

but.

Just then.

An announcement was made.

[The chosen one "Ye Heshan" has achieved the first kill against the historically corrupt "Blood-Bridge Demon General Yang Shihou," gaining 80 points of world luck!]

The expressions of the chosen ones in Xiao Yu's team changed drastically.

Wang Yang frowned slightly: "Ye Heshan is quick. He actually took down the core BOSS of the second area."

This is not surprising.

Ye Heshan's team cleared the first area much faster than Xiao Yu's team, who had already explored Blood Beam City quite deeply by the time they arrived.

He also received guidance from Xiao Yu.

With the abilities of Ye Heshan and Lin Siwei, etc.

It won't be long before they find the evil Yang Shihou and successfully defeat him.

Su Qingmeng was a little worried: "After Ye Heshan eliminates Yang Shihou, he should be able to enter the palace first."

Although everyone's goal is to kill Zhu Wen and purify the nightmare, only the side that kills Zhu Wen by hand can get the biggest slice of the pie!

at this time.

A message appeared in the public chat.

Ye Heshan began by saying, "Brother Yu Xiao, thank you for your guidance along the way. Otherwise, we might still be running around like headless flies."

"You're welcome."

Xiao Yu asked directly, "Are you planning to directly challenge Zhu Wen?"

Ye Heshan bluntly stated, "That's right, our pollution level is currently over 80%, and there's no time to lose!"

Ye Heshan continued, "Don't worry, if we succeed in this challenge, it will be a contribution from Brother Yu Xiao and everyone else!"

Xiao Yu said, "My personal advice is that it's best not to do that. There's a reason why the Nightmare difficulty requires four teams to challenge it simultaneously; it will be very difficult to win if you only destroy one formation at the moment!"

now.

On the other side of Bloodbeam City.

Ye Heshan's team is resting.

They had just experienced a great battle, not only eliminating "Blood Beam Demon General Yang Shihou" but also killing dozens of level 13 demon general guards.

This battle is extremely difficult.

However, Ye Heshan was very strong, and Guo Ziyi's spirit was extremely good at assisting and enhancing survivability, so the entire team survived without a single casualty.

Even so.

It consumes a lot of resources.

Guo Ziyi's remaining spiritual power is running low, and the team's combat strength has declined, making it impossible to maintain its peak performance.

I saw Xiao Yu's suggestion.

Ye Heshan knew that the other party was not narrow-minded and worried that he would get there first; this was sincere advice from another top chosen one.

It does!

The Bloodstained Bianliang requires four teams to challenge simultaneously because there are four formations that need to be broken.

nowadays.

Only one was broken.

Under such circumstances, it would be extremely difficult to challenge Zhu Wen, and success would be virtually impossible.

However, Ye Heshan's team has lingered in the nightmare for too long, and the current per capita pollution level has reached as high as 80%. They don't have much time left.

"Brother Yu Xiao's words make a lot of sense. So far, we've only broken one of the four formations. Our chances of winning this challenge against Zhu Wen are very low. What do you think?"

Everyone expressed their opinions.

That's what they say—

"We've already come this far, it would be impossible to give up without trying!"

"We can't wait that long."

"Let's give it a shot, Captain Ye. We believe in you. If even you can't defeat him, who can stand against Zhu Wen?"

'

'

Those who are destined for greatness have all expressed their opinions.

Almost none of them were willing to give up just like that.

Of course, some people have their own selfish motives. They still hope to take down Nightmare first and maximize their gains, rather than waiting for Yu Xiao's team.

Ye Heshan frowned slightly.

At this moment, reason and intuition told him...

Challenging Zhu Wen would not be a wise move.

However, almost all team members supported continuing the fight.

His subordinates were highly motivated.

He couldn't back down at the last minute.

"What does Lao Lin think?"

Lin Siwei was a sprightly old man in his sixties with graying temples. He was a general in the army, two ranks higher than Ye Heshan, and was Ye Heshan's superior at the time.

Although Lin Siwei held a higher position in the old-era military, he fully recognized Ye Heshan's abilities and potential, so he did not compete for power or profit, but instead wholeheartedly supported and assisted Ye Heshan.

The two had a deep friendship and trusted each other completely.

Lin Siwei was always a steady and cautious person.

Of course, we were also aware of the risks.

however.

He also supports the challenge.

Lin Siwei said, "Although we don't have much time left, no one will be willing to give up like this. At least we can test Zhu Wen's abilities, gather intelligence for Yu Xiao and the others, and clean up the battlefield. This battle will be meaningful regardless of success or failure!"

"good!"

Ye Heshan nodded.

Since Lin Siwei supports it.

Then there's nothing to hesitate about.

"Everyone, get ready. We'll move out in five minutes!"