Ancient Ark: A Dark-Themed Historical Survival Game

Chapter 68 The Dream of Washing Silk

Xiao Yu took out a small bronze cauldron, about the size of a palm.

There are no attribute bonuses.

Purely skill-based equipment.

[Zichan's Forbidden Spell Cauldron], a medium-grade green special equipment, with the skill "Forbidden Spell Domain", durability 10.

.

[Forbidden Spell Domain] consumes at least 15 points of mental energy. It forms a domain with a radius of 15 meters centered on the magic cauldron, which disables all spells with a strength not exceeding green. The maximum duration is 10 seconds. It consumes 2 points of mental energy per second and consumes 1 point of equipment durability each time it is activated.

Is the scope silent?

This equipment is interesting!

It's practically the bane of warlocks and mages!

Although the basic effective range is a bit small, for each level the user's cultivation increases, they can consume more mental energy to activate the skill and increase the range by 1 meter.

When Xiao Yu unleashes his full power, his coverage radius reaches 22 meters, which is enough to exert a significant suppressive effect in actual combat.

If the equipment's grade and level are upgraded, the power and duration of the forbidden spell's effect will definitely be further enhanced.

That's great!

A result that exceeded expectations!

The "Ash Escape" technique played a significant role in this battle. This skill is indeed excellent, not only because of its short cooldown time and ability to create smoke for cover, but also because it allows one to break free from restraints and move quickly.

【Soul Essence - 800!】

Your "Ash Escape" skill level has increased to level 2.

Xiao Yu upgraded his escape technique by one level, so that the smoke cover generated when the skill is activated can cover a larger area and last longer.

The displacement distance is also longer.

A stone tablet appeared at the location where Zichan's remnant spirit perished, emanating the fluctuations and aura of an ancient secret realm.

[You have triggered the Level 6 Ancient Rift "Spring and Autumn Punishment," enter? Yes/No!]

Give up again.

This is a good heroic spirit.

But there's no need to regret it.

There are many heroic spirits formed from Legalist figures in the deep sea, and their abilities are very similar to those of Zichan.

Zichan was a great pioneer of Legalism, a thinker, and a philosopher, but in terms of fame and influence, he still lags far behind those legendary Legalist sages.

Continue the operation.

Continue exploring.

Another twenty minutes.

Several good materials were found.

Eliminate several powerful, nameless remnant spirits.

At this moment, a figure appeared in the mist, dressed in a pure white blouse with a curved hem, her skin as white as snow, her appearance as beautiful as a fairy, neither too plump nor too thin.

She was enveloped in a hazy halo, making it impossible to see her features clearly, but adding to her mysterious aura, as if she were an immortal descending to earth.

[Remnant of the Past: Xi Shi], Level 6 Rare Lord —

Xiao Yu breathed a sigh of relief: "Finally out!"

Xi Shi's remnant spirit is one level lower than Zi Chan's remnant spirit, but because she is a rare lord, her strength is only above Zi Chan's and she is definitely not easy to defeat!

The moment the two met.

"Immovable as a mountain!"

"Its movement is as slow as a forest!"

"Its speed is like the wind!"

"Aggression burns like fire!"

Xi Shi's remaining spirit was extremely skilled at controlling and bewitching.

Xiao Yu first cast the Mountain and Forest Curse on himself to increase his resistance, and then cast the Wind and Fire Curse to enhance his attack.

I've just finished getting ready.

You resisted the control of "bewitching charm"!

He could sense the powerful spiritual energy of Xi Shi's remnant spirit. If his resistance wasn't fully stacked, he would likely be under control. Even if he managed to resist the control with his strong resistance, he would be in a daze and unable to strike first.

Xi Shi instantly created multiple physical phantoms, each with the same aura and appearance, making them completely indistinguishable.

"Well disguised."

"But that trick won't work on me!"

Xiao Yu fired several flaming arrows in quick succession, ignoring the illusions and hitting the real body directly.

—145!

—146!

—253!

Xi Shi's remnant spirit's defense and protection weren't high, so she quickly suffered considerable damage, and she clearly didn't just sit and wait to die.

With a wave of his long sleeves.

All the phantoms exploded.

It transformed into countless flower petals.

A portion of it surrounds the body, forming a protective barrier.

The other part gathered and took shape in front of Xiao Yu, transforming into a figure wearing dark red armor and holding a longbow.

Both in appearance and equipment.

They are all exactly the same as Xiao Yu.

"Strike Arrow!"

The phantom's opening move is a powerful fire arrow; because the distance is so close and the attack is so fast, it's impossible to dodge it with a normal dodge.

"Ash Release!"

Xiao Yu vanished in a cloud of scorching ashes, then reappeared beside the phantom Xiao Yu, drawing his battle blade and unleashing a blood-red slash.

Phantom also drew his Blood Tiger Battle Blade and unleashed a Blood Qi Slash. The two blade energies collided and canceled each other out in mid-air.

"It was copied?"

"That's a really troublesome tactic!"

Xiao Yu realized that the Phantom's attributes were similar to his own, and it could also replicate his equipment and skills in real time. Even if it couldn't replicate his strength 100%, it would be close to the original.

This is equivalent to fighting yourself.

The crucial point is that Xi Shi's remaining spirit is still providing support on the sidelines.

She will use various control and illusion skills to interfere, making the difficulty of this battle increase exponentially.

however.

Just then.

A loud, piercing neigh of a warhorse suddenly rang out.

The remnant spirit of Xi Shi immediately sensed the danger and urged the petals to form a tight barrier for defense.

"A volley of arrows!"

A dense rain of arrows fell.

The dense arrows, imbued with fire attacks, first pierced through the petal barrier.

A fierce warrior leaped through countless burning petals on horseback.

In an instant.

The golden spears were like the scythe of death.

It struck with lightning speed.

The remnant spirit of Xi Shi was powerless to resist the fatal injury, and her body immediately collapsed into ashes, from which a green trophy orb burst forth.

Won!

The remnant spirit was slain.

The summoned phantom Xiao Yu disappeared automatically.

The battle didn't last long, only about a minute in total.

Although it ended quickly.

But that doesn't mean that the remnant spirit is easy to defeat.

Xi Shi can replicate the Chosen One and control the replicas in battle. Although she herself is not good at outputting damage, she has top-notch control abilities.

We want to win this battle.

There must be sufficiently powerful Heroic Spirits.

If Xiao Yu hadn't had Sun Tzu's spirit to use his "Deceive the Heavens and Cross the Sea" technique to lay an ambush beforehand, and hadn't launched a surprise attack when Xi Shi's remnant spirit revealed a weakness, he wouldn't have won so easily.

Activate the Ark Imprint.

Collect the final spoils.

[You have collected loot: Soul Essence +285, Green Luck Stone +1, Green Soul Stone +8!]

"This is... a Luck Stone?!"

No equipment or rare materials such as forging stones, deep-sea stones, or spirit essences were found.

A piece of divine luck stone was dropped from the remnant spirit of Xi Shi!

Another unexpectedly good result!

This is an even rarer and more precious material than rare materials, something that can only be encountered by chance and is extremely difficult to obtain. At least until now, no one has been heard of having obtained a Fortune Stone.

Forging stones can be used to upgrade equipment.

Deep-sea stones can upgrade the grade of equipment.

As a rare and precious material, the Luck Stone has an even more special function—it enhances luck!

That's right!

Fortune Stones can be used to cultivate Heroic Spirits, thereby enhancing their core value: Fortune.

First, we need to clarify one point.

Each heroic spirit possesses a different kind of luck, and a heroic spirit's luck does not usually increase out of thin air.

In other words.

Unnamed heroes will never have good fortune.

A green-tier hero with an initial potential of level 30 possesses green luck, and any luck talent awakened in the future can only be of green quality.

Even if you use Heroic Spirit Essence to raise its level cap to 31, it only means that the Heroic Spirit's aptitude has successfully reached blue; cultivating the aptitude will not cause any change in fortune.

Therefore.

That's why the spirits of heroes like Sun Tzu are so valuable.

These heroic spirits, possessing great fortune, may have their strength and aptitude surpassed, but the value of their fortune is extremely difficult to replace.

Unless you use the Fortune Stone!

This is the only material that can enhance innate destiny. It can be used not only for nurturing heroic spirits but also for named destiny equipment, thereby increasing the equipment's maximum potential.

however.

Compared to forged stone and deep-sea stone.

Luck stones are extremely rare.

This time, although it was unprecedented that one was found, it was only a green-quality luck stone, which Xiao Yu's heroic spirit either couldn't use or couldn't use.

However, it can be used on equipment.

Although Xiao Yu's Greed Ring and Ever-Changing Mask are named equipment, their luck is very weak. If this stone is used to enhance them once, the chance of them reaching blue quality will be much higher.

"Owner!"

A figure in green robes and silver armor rushed towards them.

Although Zheng Dan arrived at top speed, the battle here had already ended.

"Mr. Sun is truly remarkable!"

Although he did not directly participate in the battle.

But she could sense the lingering presence of the atmosphere at the scene.

This enemy was probably far stronger than himself, yet he couldn't even last a single round against Sun Tzu.

too strong!

It is indeed very strong.

Sun Tzu is currently at level 5.

Even if this epic-level hero's potential is not fully developed, dealing with level seven or eight rare lords is still a piece of cake!

Moreover, it's a rare level six lord.

The place where Xi Shi's spirit perished.

An ancient stone tablet rose up automatically.

Xiao Yu immediately received a notification from the Heavenly Dao:

[You have triggered the Level 6 Ancient Dungeon "Dreamy Washerwoman"? Enter? Yes/No!]

This is it!

"You two have worked hard."

"Go back and rest first."

Both heroic spirits had lost most of their spiritual power.

Without Jiang Xiaxia's assistance, the power of the heroic spirits must be used sparingly to avoid a shortage of combat strength at the crucial moment before the end of the trial.

"yes!"

Sun Wu bowed.

It instantly turned into light and vanished.

Zheng Dan glanced at the secret realm stone tablet.

She sensed a familiar presence in the secret realm, a feeling of inexplicable warmth.

This is—Xi Shi!

Zheng Dan realized that the sleeping heroes in the secret realm were...

Her previously slightly listless and disappointed spirits suddenly lifted. If it really was Xi Shi, that would be wonderful!

I can never compare to Mr. Sun, no matter what.

However, if the sisters Tan Xi Shi were to join forces, they might be able to leverage advantages that other heroic spirits do not possess.

I hope everything goes well for the owner.

Zheng Dan also vanished in a ray of light.

After resting and recovering, Xiao Yu touched the stone tablet and chose to start the secret realm trial.

The moment the secret realm opened.

The stone tablet in front of Xiao Yu shattered automatically, and an incredibly soft light burst forth, instantly enveloping his entire body and blocking his vision.

The light faded after a few seconds.

The surrounding environment has changed.

This place is no longer a forbidden valley filled with eerie mist, but a small mountain village with beautiful scenery, birdsong, and fragrant flowers, filled with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

Xiao Yu stood at the village gate, and a large square stone appeared before him, with the mottled characters "Zhuluo Village" engraved on it. This was the legendary hometown of Xi Shi and Zheng Dan.

Of course, the scenes and even the rules in the secret realm are all created by the heroic spirits. Sometimes they are as fantastical as a dream and are not the real Zhuluo Village.

Then I received a notification.

[You have unlocked the "Washing Silk Dream" secret realm. Please awaken Xi Shi within ten minutes.]

You only have one wake-up device.

Please make your choice carefully!

This is a preliminary test. The chosen one must find Xi Shi within a limited time, otherwise the formal test cannot be started, and the chosen one will be directly judged as a failure.

When Xiao Yu walked to the desolate village of Zhuluo.

First, you see a clear and beautiful stream, with at least ten beautiful young women, like fairies, washing clothes on both banks of the stream.

A quick glance.

Everything about it is beautiful.

Both the slender and plump beauties have their own merits.

Any one of these girls could probably become a viral sensation in the short video era, and with a little effort, they could become a popular internet celebrity with tens of millions of followers.

With so many top beauties gathered together, the scene is truly spectacular and a feast for the eyes.

A quick glance.

【Washer Buddha】, Level 1 Unit — Description: This is a physical phantom that only exists in Washer Buddha's Dream.

【Huansha Mu】, Level 1 Unit — Description: This is a physical phantom that only exists in Huansha's dream.

【————】

The price and interest are exactly the same.

Xiao Yu immediately guessed that this was a trap.

The most widely circulated story about Xi Shi's birth is that she came from an ordinary washerwoman in Zhuluo Village.

Following this line of thought, those destined for greatness are easily misled, thus attempting to distinguish the true form of Xi Shi among dozens of women washing silk.

In fact.

It's all fake.

Xiao Yu passed by a group of stunningly beautiful women washing clothes. These women were busy playing and frolicking, seemingly oblivious to the outsider.

Passing by Huansha Creek.

The village of Zhuluo was devastated.

This village also feels very eerie.

The entire village had no men or children; it was almost entirely populated by beautiful Buddhist women, ranging from fourteen-year-old girls to forty-year-old women, with all sorts of styles.

They all lived their lives according to their own trajectories, completely ignoring Xiao Yu's existence, as if Xiao Yu had become a transparent person with a physical form.

"That's a bit weird. You only see scenes and plots like this in ghost stories or cheesy anime."

Xiao Yu made a comment.

The all-knowing eye can easily discern the truth.

The young women and girls here are also illusions from a secret realm.

wrong!

None of them are correct!

Xiao Yu didn't need to observe the altar to distinguish anything; his all-knowing eye made the altar practically a cheat code in dealing with such situations.

There was no stopping.

Go directly through the village.

There is a grove of trees in the village.

There is an inconspicuous, simple thatched hut here, where an elderly woman, dressed simply and looking a little old, keeps watch.

【Xi Shi】(Secret Realm Avatar), Level 1 — Introduction: This is an avatar formed by the spirit of the Qi Luck Altar of the Fairy Zhu Luo after her meditation. It has not yet been polluted by the deep sea and can completely dominate all the rules of the Secret Realm world.

It's here!

This old woman is quite different from the beauties of Huansha Creek and the village, so the test itself is not difficult.

The real difficulty lies in remaining undisturbed. If the chosen one loses patience and squanders all their opportunities in the Huansha Creek or the village, or if they are bewitched by beautiful women and spend too much time observing and discerning, they will eventually run out of time and fail.

Xiao Yu stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior Xiao Yu greets Senior Shi Yiguang!"

The old woman's posture stiffened slightly.

His vision gradually cleared.

The first test of the secret realm is now complete.

(PS: The first subscription was 302, which is a bit below my personal expectations, but it's still enough to write a good book. From today onwards, I will try to pay less attention to the data and focus more on writing. I also hope everyone will continue to support me. Because the data is not high, every subscription from each big spender is especially important.)