Ancient Ark: A Dark-Themed Historical Survival Game

Chapter 70 Hidden Ending

Guanwa Palace.

This is a luxurious palace built by King Fuchai of Wu for his favorite concubine Xi Shi. All the palaces are known for their "bronze hooks and jade railings, decorated with pearls and jade".

It features landscapes such as the Flower Playing Pond, Moon Playing Pond, Fragrance Picking Stream, and Powder Pond, along with ingenious and unique designs like the Echoing Corridor.

According to the prompt information.

Xiao Yu is currently the captain of the guards protecting Guanwa Palace, and he is currently guarding outside the palace with eight guards under his command.

Wu Zixu realized that Shi Yiguang was very likely a Vietnamese spy who would bring disaster to the country, so he sent assassins to kill him, while Xiao Yu's mission remained to protect Shi Yiguang.

There are also tricks to this level.

The chosen one doesn't necessarily have to face every battle. As long as they find a way to send out a message and then stall for time as much as possible, they can wait for Fuchai to send reinforcements.

This would thwart the assassination attempt.

Complete the test with relatively low difficulty.

Xiao Yu knew the strategy but didn't take the shortcut.

He also needs to tend to address the problem at its root.

At this time, monsters began to spawn outside the Guanwa Palace. The first to appear were fifteen men in black wielding long swords.

[Wu Zixu's Death Squad], Level 6 Common Unit —

The assassins clearly had no intention of returning alive; each of them used secret drugs to put themselves in a state of extreme frenzy and depletion of their potential.

Maximum health has been greatly increased.

All attributes have also been greatly increased.

His entire body was shrouded in a fierce and malevolent aura, and the aura he exuded was even stronger than that of the tiger-headed demon soldiers.

"There's an assassin!"

Eight guards hurriedly formed a battle formation to meet the enemy, while Xiao Yu looked at his subordinates with a slight smile on his lips.

Team battle?

This battle was simpler than I imagined!

Xiao Yu immediately activated the "Immovable Mountain Mantra," which simultaneously triggered his innate skill, the Light of the Saint of Soldiers.

no more, no less.

Xiao Yu + Longbow Captain + eight Wu Palace Guards.

A single, immovable mantra was applied to ten targets simultaneously, and all of them took effect.

These eight Wu Palace guards were originally only level 5 ordinary units, but after being strengthened by Xiao Yu, they were able to temporarily hold off these assassins.

"superior!"

Xiao Yu gave the order.

Eight Wu Palace guards immediately rushed forward.

Xiao Yu and the Longbow Captain chose to attack from a distance.

Despite their formidable strength, the fifteen assassins were held back by eight guards imbued with mountain curses, and ultimately fell to the rapidly approaching arrows.

The main reason Xiao Yu only cast the Mountain Curse on his guards was to control their output, making himself the primary source of damage to ensure the drop rate.

The final result was good.

Of the fifteen assassins, at least thirteen dropped loot.

The loot dropped by these assassins was similar to that of the Tiger-Headed Demon Soldiers. Although the material output was relatively limited, the accumulated amount of essence was quite good.

Similar to the previous round.

The attacks by assassins were not limited to one group.

After the first wave of assassins was eliminated, a second wave quickly emerged, not only in greater numbers but also in strength.

Not only that.

The assassins are skilled in many ways.

The methods and directions of attack are varied.

Some assassins use illusions, while others use esoteric techniques. Although Xiao Yu has eight soldiers under his command, it is still quite difficult to achieve a completely watertight defense.

"Forbidden Spell Domain!"

Xiao Yu decisively took out Zi Chan's forbidden spell cauldron and instantly opened a domain with a radius of 22 meters.

This new equipment is extremely effective, and with the added benefit of the All-Seeing Eye, even though the assassins are unpredictable and have varied attack methods, none of them can break into the palace.

The second batch, the third batch, the fourth batch!

Xiao Yu dealt with four rounds of attacks in one go, killing nearly a hundred assassins, of which more than eighty were effective kills, and he gained nearly two thousand soul essence.

Very powerful.

Such a cultivation speed.

It's almost comparable to clearing a dungeon.

However, Xiao Yu dared not be careless at all, because according to the pattern, the fifth round of attacks was the most dangerous, and the key BOSS of the entire level might be in it.

There is only a 5-minute break.

There are six guards left.

These people cannot all die immediately, otherwise there will inevitably be gaps in the defense. If even one assassin manages to break into the palace, this challenge will risk failure.

【Soul Essence - 1500!】

[Your "Immovable Mountain Mantra" has reached level 3, permanently increasing your health by 30 and your constitution by 5!]

Another level of the God of War's spell has been raised.

In this way, Xiao Yu's Mountain Spell and Wind Spell were both cultivated to level 3, while only the Fire Spell and Forest Spell remained at level 2.

All four spells are at level 3.

You can then synthesize a red-level cultivation technique!

That moment doesn't seem far off right now.

[Immovable Mountain Mantra], a purple skill, currently at level 3. It consumes 15-40 points of Spirit Power. For 600 seconds, it grants any unit a 50% increase to the defense of all equipped items, +40 to Spirit Resistance, and +25 to Protective Power.

The level 3 Mountain Curse effect is even more insane!

It can increase the defensive attributes of your equipment by 50%, which alone can greatly improve your survivability.

This is just the basic power.

With his level 7 cultivation, Xiao Yu can unleash the Mountain Curse by consuming an additional 7 points of mental energy, further enhancing the effect of the Mountain Curse and granting the target more protective power.

"Aggression burns like fire!"

"Its speed is like the wind!"

"Immovable as a mountain!"

"Its movement is as slow as a forest!"

Xiao Yu timed it perfectly, overdrawing the mental power of the Greed Ring and triggering the Light of the War Saint four times in succession, fully buffing all the soldiers on the scene.

Even a level 5 ordinary soldier.

When Xiao Yu finished reciting the Four Spells of the Military Saint.

Their combat power will also increase explosively, thus possessing the strength of a top-tier elite of their class.

A powerful aura appeared outside the palace gates.

Xiao Yu locked onto the aura and looked over, his expression quickly becoming serious. As expected, the most difficult round of battle had arrived.

There weren't many black-clad assassins.

There were only ten people.

But all ten of them were elites.

Xiao Yu didn't take these enemies seriously; what truly made him wary was the eleventh enemy.

[Wu Zixu, Prime Minister of Wu], Level 6 Rare Lord —

This was an elder in his fifties or sixties. Although he didn't look very old, his long hair was already gray. He wore a noble prime minister's robe and had a carved sword at his waist.

He had regular features, a serious expression, a perpetually furrowed brow, and eyes as sharp as a hawk's.

"It's finally here!"

Xiao Yu knew, of course, that the historical figures appearing in the secret realm were not real historical figures, but even if Wu Zixu was created by the Xi Shi Secret Realm, he should not be underestimated.

Wu Zixu was also sizing up Xiao Yu at that moment.

He coldly retorted, "Hmph, how could a Yue woman offered up by a conquered nation have such a skilled fighter by her side? Just who are you!"

Xiao Yu said calmly, "Why waste words now? Let's see who's the better fighter!"

"Alright!"

Wu Zixu drew his sword from his waist: "It seems this Yue woman is indeed a traitor who brings disaster to the country and chaos to the people. As a subject of Wu, I should share the king's burdens. Today, I will purge the court of this traitor and execute him!"

"spread!"

Xiao Yu immediately issued the order.

The six guards quickly dispersed to the left and right.

As Wu Zixu raised his hand, seven or eight sword energies attacked in succession. Each sword energy emitted a pale golden light, and its density and speed were so high that even Xiao Yu could not completely dodge them.

—0!

—0!

—21!

Xiao Yu was hit by three of the attacks almost simultaneously, but he managed to defend himself using his breastplate and arm armor, relying on the armor's superior defensive capabilities and protective power.

The first two attacks were neutralized.

Although the third attack pierced through the protective force, it only caused very limited damage.

"Blood Slash!"

Xiao Yu launched a counterattack.

Wu Zixu unleashed three more sharp sword energies, but they were all torn apart by the blood-red blade energy. He could only parry with his sword and was forced back several steps.

They actually have such strength?

Wu Zixu had no choice but to take it seriously.

"Kill the demoness first! I'll deal with this brat!"

After Wu Zixu gave the order, ten elite assassins immediately sprang into action, attempting to bypass Xiao Yu and directly storm the rear palace.

It's not that easy.

The foremost assassin was shot in the chest with an arrow.

This arrow not only had powerful destructive force, but also carried fire damage, instantly setting half of the body ablaze.

Xiao Yu arranged the spirit of Gong Wei on the roof.

He occupies a high vantage point overlooking the battlefield, and can attack or provide support and cover at any time based on Xiao Yu's operations and orders.

Six guards plus a longbow captain.

Four curses were cast upon him.

Combat power skyrockets!

This situation would easily stop the assassins, but the outcome would be uncertain in a short time. The key to this battle lies between Xiao Yu and Wu Zixu.

"A fleeting glimpse!"

"A sword that could topple a city!"

Xiao Yu immediately used the move of the Alluring Sword Dance. A sword light pierced the night, grazed the two assassins and caused them damage, and then went straight towards Wu Zixu.

"Rending Chu!"

Faced with the fierce attack, Wu Zixu did not dodge or evade at all, but instead swung his sword at an extremely fast speed.

This sword strike.

It contains not only endless killing intent and hatred.

It also possesses a domineering sword intent that can swallow mountains and rivers.

As Wu Zixu swung his sword upwards, a massive sword beam shot up from the ground, instantly tearing apart the floor in front of the palace and the steps in front of it.

This is Wu Zixu's most powerful killing move!

If Xiao Yu were to master the Alluring Sword Dance to its fullest extent, he might be able to challenge him with the Alluring Sword Technique.

My swordsmanship skills are far from sufficient now!

Using a knife instead of a sword would affect the effectiveness of the weapon.

If one were to confront Wu Zixu head-on, although one's powerful defense and protective abilities would prevent mortal danger, one would still inevitably suffer significant damage.

Whatever!

The objective has been achieved.

The all-knowing eye had long ago seen through Wu Zixu's abilities.

Xiao Yu used the "Swift Shadow" and "Alluring Sword" attacks, but he did not actually intend to defeat him with this one strike.

"Ash Release!"

Xiao Yu activated his escape technique.

The advantage of this kind of escape technique is that it can be activated extremely quickly and can directly interrupt such a relentless thrusting attack, instantly turning into a ball of blazing ashes and flashing dozens of meters away.

Wu Zixu's sword energy split the ash cloud in two.

A corner of the palace eaves was cut off.

Wu Zixu never expected the thief to be so cunning, causing his sure-kill sword strike to miss its mark!

Xiao Yu appeared directly in front of Wu Zixu.

A Blood Tiger Slash cleaved him back.

Immediately following the corrosive fireball.

Even someone as powerful as Wu Zixu suffered considerable damage, especially from the flames of the corrosive fireball, which clung to his body like a persistent, intractable disease.

"Rebellious ministers and traitors!"

Wu Zixu's jade crown fell off, his hair was disheveled, and his upper body and even his hair were now covered in flames. He looked less majestic and more like a madman.

"die!"

A furious shout was accompanied by an explosion of true energy.

All the attached flames were immediately dispersed.

True Qi coils around the body's surface, forming a protective force.

Xiao Yu was not afraid at all. Wu Zixu's ultimate move could not be used for a while, and he had no skills that could threaten him now.

"Soul summoning!"

Xiao Yu seized the opportunity to unleash the Corpse-Beating Whip.

This blow struck Wu Zixu directly in the chest, rendering his protective aura ineffective and instantly causing an extremely high damage of three to four hundred points.

Wu Zixu staggered backward and coughed up blood.

He used his sword to prop himself up and prevent himself from falling.

Xiao Yu gave Wu Zixu no chance to catch his breath and launched a fierce attack.

Clang!

They fought for over ten rounds!

Wu Zixu had no chance to recover. With Xiao Yu's blessing of the "Lin Zhou" relationship, not only did his stamina recover quickly, but his skill cooldown speed was also very fast.

Whoosh!

A swift, powerful arrow suddenly struck!

At a crucial moment in the battle, the Longbow Captain suddenly fired an arrow that struck Wu Zixu in the shoulder, allowing the exhausted Wu Zixu to successfully expose a weakness.

"Blood Slash!"

A crimson blade of light flashed in Wu Zixu's pupils. Xiao Yu's full-force blood energy slash severed a patch of white hair from the neck of this iron-willed old minister.

Although his eyes were filled with resentment and unwillingness.

But in the end, it was accompanied by white hair and a head falling to the ground.

This upright and unyielding prime minister of Wu still fell.

Although some assassins were still fighting desperately, they were clearly powerless to turn the tide.

It only took three or four minutes.

Xiao Yu then finished off the remaining battle.

This battle resulted in the killing of a fake Wu Zixu, along with eight elite assassins.

[You have collected loot: Abyssal Essence +420, Blue Heroic Spirit Essence +1, Blue Forging Stone +1, Blue Soul Stone +2!]

Although Wu Zixu didn't drop any equipment or other rare items, he did get a blue Heroic Spirit Essence, which is definitely a very valuable gain.

You've survived the "Guanwa Palace Incident"!

I received a notification from Heaven.

I passed the second level smoothly.

Xiao Yu also breathed a sigh of relief.

He still chose to use force to clear the level directly, defeating Wu Zixu decisively and cleanly, which can be said to be a very thorough way to eliminate Shi Yiguang's inner demons.

Scenes from a hidden realm.

It froze and shattered once again.

Countless scenes then branch out and reappear.

Shi Yiguang lived in the Wu Palace for thirteen years. Although she did not have any children, Fuchai's love for Xi Shi remained undiminished.

As a spy.

Shi Yiguang was undoubtedly successful.

King Fuchai, the former hegemon of the Spring and Autumn Period, became increasingly addicted to wine, women, and pleasure. He not only lost his ambition and lowered his guard, but also found himself surrounded by treacherous ministers.

Goujian lay low in the shadows.

Over the past decade, we have been accumulating strength.

They finally found a golden opportunity to turn the tide.

From then on, the Wu Kingdom, which had dominated the Spring and Autumn Period, was completely destroyed and withdrew from the stage of history. Fuchai went from being a hegemon to the last king and the ruler of a fallen kingdom.

The rivalry between Wu and Yue.

And the Wu Kingdom came to an end.

All of these have had a profound impact on history.

Shi Yiguang undoubtedly played a huge role in this process, but she lived in the Wu Palace for more than ten years, and Fuchai was also wholeheartedly devoted to her.

Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?

When King Fuchai died, the state of Wu was destroyed.

Shi Yiguang asked herself countless times if what she had done was really right. In the end, she was completely unable to distinguish right from wrong, and this matter had become her greatest inner demon!

So far!

A new scenario has emerged.

You have unlocked a new level.

[Current Level: A Choice of Fate!]

[Current Task: Make a choice for Shi Yiguang!]

Suzhou was reduced to ruins.

The Wu King's palace was shrouded in flames.

Shi Yiguang came to Taihu Lake alone, and when she faced the vast expanse of the lake, she was lost in confusion.

The lake surface was turbulent.

Suddenly, a huge wave surged up.

Two Shi Yiguangs stood on the crest of the wave.

Although they look exactly alike, their temperament and style are completely different.

One of the Wu palace servants, dressed in a venomous robe, said with a face full of resentment: "I bewitched the King of Wu, bringing disaster to the country and its people. My crime is unforgivable, and I shall be drowned!"

'

Another Yue woman, dressed in plain clothes with tears in her eyes, said: "I have endured humiliation and hardship, dedicated myself to the country, and now that I have achieved my goal, I should retire and return home!"

One Wu concubine.

A Yue woman.

Two different identities.

They represent two kinds of inner demons.

It is Shi Yiguang's confusion and struggle with her own identity.

This is the hurdle.

That's a bit special.

Xiao Yu had to make a choice for Shi Yiguang.

Choose one of the Wu Yue identities before you.

His choice will represent Shi Yiguang's identity and destiny, and also correspond to the two versions of the historical legend about Xi Shi's fate.

The first version corresponds to the story of Xi Shi drowning herself in a lake in despair for love. The second version corresponds to the story of Xi Shi retiring from public life after achieving her goals and returning to the Yue Kingdom, where she later lived in seclusion with Fan Li or became a concubine of King Goujian of Yue.

This is the hurdle.

There is no correct answer.

No matter which one Xiao Yu chooses.

Another inner demon will erupt and transform into a monster.

Xiao Yu's task is to protect Shi Yiguang and eliminate the inner demon monster; only then can he complete the game.

"Where should I go from here? —"

Shi Yiguang faced the two inner demons on the lake with a pained expression, while she waited for the chosen one beside her to make a choice.

This ancient secret realm has a simple structure, but Shi Yiguang's three inner demons make people deeply feel the tragedy and helplessness of an ordinary person under the torrent of history.

Should we choose?

Xiao Yu pondered briefly.

He then decisively drew his bow.

He shattered both figures on the lake surface.

Shi Yiguang looked completely bewildered.

Xiao Yu calmly put down his longbow and said, "Yi Guang, the conflict between Wu and Yue is over. I don't think you need to die for Wu or return to Yue."

Shi Yiguang looked confused: "Then what should I do? And who exactly am I?"

"There's no need to dwell on it. You are neither Consort Wu nor the Yue woman of the past. You are simply yourself, and you should follow your heart."

Xiao Yu said firmly, "Whether you were right or wrong, your mission is over. From now on, you should be yourself and live for your true self!"

"Live for your true self —"

This was something Shi Yiguang had never imagined.

Xiao Yu didn't know what choice the chosen one of his previous life had made, but he only knew that Shi Yiguang's mission for him was to completely eradicate his inner demons.

and so.

The final choice.

It was a trap all along.

Both identities are Shi Yiguang's inner demons. Although making a choice will still allow her to pass the game, it is clear that this will not trigger the perfect completion condition.

Therefore, Xiao Yu made a decisive choice.

They killed both Consort Wu and the Yue woman.

Only in this way can one truly eliminate all inner demons.

Xiao Yu believed that only by freeing Shi Yiguang from the shackles of her identity and destiny could she achieve true liberation and freedom.

"I'm homesick!"

Shi Yiguang finally burst into tears.

Xiao Yu: "Then go home, return to Zhuluo Village, and live the life you truly want from now on."

now it's right.

There are three versions of the legend about Xi Shi's fate.

Besides the endings of dying for Wu and returning to Yue, there is also the ending of going into seclusion alone, which now seems to be the true ending of "Washing Silk Dream".

"Twenty years have passed like a dream—it's time for me to wake up—" Shi Yiguang opened her eyes, her gaze regaining its light. "Thank you!"

Succeeded?

Is it that simple?

I'm afraid that's not the case!

Xiao Yu felt that a large part of the reason he was able to persuade Shi Yiguang was that he had achieved a perfect score in the first two levels.

Only in this way can you trigger the hidden options and achieve the perfect ending!

The chosen one from the previous life could not possibly have achieved this ending, yet even so, they obtained the spirit of Xi Shi. It is unknown what special rewards the perfect ending will bring.

however.

Just then.

"After twenty years of glory and disgrace, rise and fall, the dust has finally settled today. Your Majesty has destroyed Wu and restored the kingdom, and Xi Zi has made great contributions. Your Majesty has specially ordered me to come and escort you back to the palace."

At that moment, a figure was boating on Taihu Lake.

This middle-aged scholar, with slightly graying temples, stood with his hands behind his back in a small boat, slowly making his way to the shore.

[Prime Minister of Yue: Fan Li], Level 6 Rare Lord —

Xiao Yu was stunned.

There's a hidden boss?!

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