Tower Defense: Public Enemy

Chapter 498 The Threat of Childhood

The battle in Bliss City continued. Lei Chi did not get a third opponent. He sat cross-legged on the 104th outer island, spreading his divine sense outside the island. He found that the Azure Army dared not enter the Samsara Palace rashly, but many of them had long-range attack methods and were bombarding the center of the island from outside the island.

The meat bun's health is decreasing little by little.

Seeing this situation, Lei Chi estimated that the seventh-tier [Meat Bun] could only last for another half hour at most. Once it was killed, the Samsara Palace would be considered breached, and then the invaders from the Azure Star Realm could once again advance unimpeded.

However, the invaders who had been teleported to the rear by the [Meat Bun] had already been completely killed, suffering heavy casualties.

Compared to the four major checkpoints of Qilin Cliff, Azure Flame Palace, Dark Star Palace, and Primordial World, the battles in Thunder Pool on the 104 outer islands were relatively mild. The battles in those four checkpoints were much faster and the situation was much clearer, with the invaders who were teleported in being slaughtered.

Lei Chi discovered that behind the Samsara Palace and before the 104th outer island, there were still some invaders who had been forcibly teleported there. They were scattered and could not form a large group. Their strength was generally not strong. They had already turned from invaders into prey and become the hunting targets of the players and soldiers of their own Paradise City.

Lei Chi had no interest in the invaders, so he sat cross-legged on the 104th outer island and began to study the [Mind Master's Manual] and the [Free and Blissful Skill].

Comparing the two, Lei Chi gradually discovered that he preferred practicing the [Free and Blissful Skill]. This skill was based on the [Turtle Breathing Method], and its subsequent cultivation of mind and character, as well as the regulation of breath and the refinement of qi, were quite different from the [Turtle Flowing Qi Gong] upon careful study.

Cultivating the "Free and Blissful Skill" will automatically grant you two states of mind, depending on your skill level: the "Free and Blissful State" and the "Blissful State".

In Lei Chi's view, this state of mind can be described as a low-level artistic conception. It is a very subjective thing that does not require strong mental strength to support it, nor does it need to be projected outward to influence the surroundings. It is a very clever state of mind.

The state of "freedom" emphasizes being unrestrained, having an empty mind, and being free from constraints. With this state of mind, one can be insightful and flexible when facing an enemy.

The state of bliss is a state of mind similar to euphoria. By mastering this state of mind, one can maintain their best condition at any time and place, and perform better than usual in any activity.

The most precious aspect of the 【Free and Blissful Practice】is that it has detailed cultivation methods, including methods for cultivating two states of mind. This method mainly involves visualization, visualizing the Free God and the Blissful God, or a kind of self-hypnosis method. As long as you persist for a long time, you can achieve a certain state of mind.

Unbeknownst to them, the stone slab passage could be opened again. Lei Chi entered the other shore space within the outer island of 104, and then entered the stone slab passage from the other shore space.

It's worth mentioning that in the Otherworld, the Zerg worm's brain worm and the two Azure Star Realm people that Lei Chi had previously taken in had already been killed by Qiukas and his group. Their bodies were burned, and not even ashes remained.

Lei Chi had already performed a ritual to help them pass on to the afterlife.

One of the two people from the Azure Star Realm was a psychic, and he possessed a strange black psychic longsword. With Lei Chi's limited knowledge, he could not ascertain the materials and manufacturing process of the psychic flying sword, nor could the weapon spirit Tianzhen identify it. However, Lei Chi found it extremely easy to control with his thoughts, much easier and less strenuous than activating the Nami York's psychic flying knife, the Super Titanium Lonely Moon Disc, and the Shocking God Thorn. It was a feeling of being in water, but the power of the flying sword seemed to be low.

Lei Chi put away the black psychic longsword, intending to use it as his first psychic weapon.

Inside the stone slab, the flowing light tunnel was like a river of time. Thunder Pool silently endured ten years of erosion within it. When he left, although the third level of the [Trident Thunder Technique] was still not fully mastered, it had improved considerably.

In addition, Lei Chi had 8000 thoughts. He had learned the basic mental manipulation techniques of a mentalist and left his mental imprint on the black longsword. He was already very good at controlling it. Now, he felt that controlling the sword was much less strenuous than holding it in his hand. Lei Chi even felt that he could control the sword to kill people from thousands of miles away simply by covering it with his divine sense!

This is a feeling that cannot be achieved by controlling other psychic forces.

Lei Chi also cultivated the [Freedom Ultimate Intent Technique], mainly focusing on cultivating the Freedom Intent. According to the introduction in the technique, he has now reached the minor completion of the Freedom Realm and has condensed the Dharma Image of the Freedom God in his sea of ​​consciousness.

The Dharma form of the Free God is a visualized image of the [Free Ultimate Intent Technique], condensed from Lei Chi's thoughts. Its appearance represents Lei Chi's accomplished state of mind, and is also a core of mental power that Lei Chi created by combining the methods in the [Mind Master's Manual], which is between reality and illusion.

Alternatively, it can be understood as a massive idea, the appearance of which strengthens the mental defenses of the Thunder Pool.

When Lei Chi appeared before Tianzhen and the other artifact spirits, they were surprised by his appearance.

Because Lei Chi had suddenly transformed into a child, about 1.2 meters tall, with a rosy face and white teeth, and a red dot between his eyebrows, he looked to be about seven or eight years old.

"How did I become such a grotesque mess!"

Lei Chi was also surprised when he saw his own reflection in the Haotian Mirror.

Perhaps he was so engrossed in practicing that he had no idea when he had become like this.

After careful consideration, Lei Chi guessed that the reason he had become a virgin was probably because he had cultivated the [Free and Blissful Skill], or more specifically, it should be related to the Free and Blissful Realm.

"This is amazing. I wonder if I'll grow up once I break through to a state of complete freedom?"

Lei Chi felt a little awkward. The thought of meeting his allies in this state made him feel shy, so he simply put on a robe and covered his face.

A moment later, Lei Chi sat cross-legged on the lotus platform on the other side and reappeared on the 104th outer island.

He spread his divine sense to investigate. At this time, the Samsara Palace had been breached, and the Azure Army had occupied the island. The vanguard had already entered the outer island of 89.

The head of the Lan family was still stationed in the army, but his expression was very unpleasant.

The Lan family's army has suffered considerable losses in the battle so far, with many star-level experts killed in action. This loss is a major blow even to the Lan family, a dominant force in the Azure Star Realm.

"This mere player territory has such a strong defense; even Carter and York were killed... Even if we take this territory, it's hard to say whether it's a gain or a loss; it's probably more likely... a net loss!"

Lan Zheng frowned deeply. He thought of Lan Yi again and couldn't help but worry. Judging from the defensive strength of this territory, even if his daughter could control more than a hundred star beasts, there was still a possibility of her being overwhelmed here.

This concern compelled him to continue leading the army forward, and he also began to plan his own intervention.

"This territory is treacherous; I can no longer allow my soldiers to make needless sacrifices. I will lead the charge and pave the way with overwhelming force..."

With this in mind, the head of the Lan family, a Void Annihilation level expert who was almost a World Lord, took the initiative to get up and fly to the front of the main force.

"You will follow me, attack the city!"

Lan Zheng shouted, and his speed suddenly increased. Golden light shone from his body, and he flew towards Bliss City like a shooting star.

The Lan family soldiers were greatly encouraged, and the squad leaders, company commanders, and officers were also invigorated, leading their men to accelerate forward.

Among the intruders, one man watched Lan move forward like a shooting star, a cryptic smile on his face.

"Has the Lan family patriarch finally decided to make a move? There's something strange about this player's territory. Let's see how strong he is and whether he'll surprise me."

The man spoke calmly, took a step forward, and entered the crowd, appearing no different from an ordinary soldier.

He was one of the four powerful individuals that Lei Chi had noticed earlier. His hands and feet were like eagle claws, and he had a long tail. He was currently a senior combatant in the Lan family, with a status similar to that of the Nami York and the Saya Carter.

A moment later, Lei Chi, who was about to leave the 104 outer islands, discovered the arrival of Lan Zheng, the head of the Lan family, with his divine sense. After a moment's thought, he sat back on the Lotus Platform on the Other Shore. The lotus platform flashed with golden light, and twelve lotus petals quickly grew out.

However, the Lotus World did not unfold at Leichi.

"I must personally experience this person's meteoric aura. With the Golden Lotus of the Other Shore as my protection, I should be able to withstand his attack..."

Lei Chi was also a little nervous, but this nervousness was far less intense than his anticipation.

Lan Zheng was extremely fast, quickly overtaking the vanguard and becoming the first to arrive at the 104th outer island.

At this moment, Jedi Knight Krull, along with Deedlit and the others, who witnessed this scene in Elysium Square, became tense.

"The city lord is still on outer island 104. The enemy's main general has been dispatched. Quickly provide support to the city lord!"

"The city lord's strength is astonishing, but that enemy general doesn't seem simple either. Judging from the city lord's appearance, he doesn't seem willing to leave, just in case... All the warriors of the fighting department, follow me to support the city lord!"

"Immediately notify the Mech Grandmaster!"

"And the Evil God Grand Celestial Venerable, the Demon King Grand Celestial Venerable, and the Mighty Warrior Grand Celestial Venerable, all of them will go to support the city lord..."

The Paradise City Square was slightly chaotic, and on Outer Island 104, almost at the same time that the Lan family's Jin family head landed like a meteor, three figures appeared first in the central teleportation array: Kung Fu Master Yuan Yuanzi, High Priest Xiuya, and Giant Spirit God Kunbaton.

After the three appeared, their expressions turned serious, and they quickly summoned their respective sacred artifacts.

Light flashed across the sky, and the Throne of Savagery and Conquest, the Sword of Bronze and Fire, and the Throne of Primitive and Technological Gods descended.

Following closely behind, boxer Akxi, Blue Moon Cult Leader, General Aoquan, 36 Doubu Zheng Shen, Zhao Zilong, Xiao Qinghe, Guo Kaiyang, and others also arrived.

Even Victor, the captain of the city management brigade, arrived with a group of bronze divine beasts. Yu Jin, the general manager of Jianye, also came to help, along with a fat cat of bliss and a parrot beast. Tian Xiaonong, the general manager of agriculture, even came with two Hongchen gourds.

They all stood in front of the Thunder Pool, assuming a fighting stance.

Seeing the reinforcements arrive, Lei Chi felt a surge of pride, but he raised his voice and said, "Everyone, go back! This is my battle!"

"Boss, are you sure you can do it?"

"Lord, shall we do it?"

"Yes, let us do it!"

"Please, City Lord, retreat to Paradise City!"

"Please, Lord City Lord, consider the bigger picture and do not take any risks..."

Seeing the earnest and anxious or serious expressions on the faces of those around him, Lei Chi felt a warmth in his heart, but still said, "Listen to my command, everyone. Go to the Primordial World or the Bliss City Square. I, the city lord, know what I'm doing. Don't delay my grand plan!"

Hearing this, the group was still somewhat hesitant. Lei Chi reprimanded them again before they left one after another.

When only Lei Chi and Lan Zheng remained of the 104 outer islands, Lan Zheng stood with his hands behind his back, carefully examining Lei Chi, and spoke up: "Are you the lord of this place?"

"good!"

"You want to fight me?"

"It's not really a battle; I simply want to experience your artistic conception here!"

"Receiving the essence?" Lan Zheng smiled, but his expression gradually became serious and earnest. Suddenly, he said, "Let me ask you, have you seen my daughter, Lan Yi?"

"I've seen it!"

Where is she now?

"He's already dead!"

"Dead!"

Lan Zheng's eyes widened suddenly.

"Dead beyond dead!"

"Did you kill her?" Lan Zheng's tone turned icy, his body throbbing. He stared intently at Lei Chi, his fists clenched.

Lei Chi said calmly, "She trespassed into the City of Bliss, acted arrogantly, and died a gruesome death. I will perform a ritual for her soul..."

"Shut up!" Lan Zheng roared. "You killed my beloved daughter and ruined my grand plan. Your crimes are unforgivable. I will kill you, and I will kill everyone here!"

Lei Chi remained unhurried, saying, "It's all going to be a fight to the death anyway, so let's fight! But before we begin, may I ask you a question?"

Lan Zheng stared intently at Lei Chi without answering. He was still trying to determine whether Lei Chi's words were true. If Lan Yi was really dead, then his years of planning would have been in vain, and his path would be cut off. This was something he could not tolerate.

Lei Chi remained expressionless and asked directly, "Do you know the Cosmic Sword Technique?"

"Cosmic swordsmanship? I don't know!"

"I wonder? Have you mastered the Meteor Realm? Or perhaps the Moon Realm and the Blazing Sun Realm?"

"The imagery of a bright moon? The imagery of a blazing sun?"

Lan Zheng was shocked when he heard this.

He is a Meteor Warrior, whose life is as fleeting as a meteor. Once he cultivates the Meteor Intent, he can only live for a thousand years, unless he can inherit the legacy of the Moon Warrior!

As the head of the Lan family, Lan Zheng was well aware of the extraordinary nature of his family's secret sect. He knew that after the Bright Moon Warriors, there was an even more powerful lineage of the Blazing Sun Warriors. However, the inherited techniques of the Bright Moon Warriors and the Blazing Sun Warriors were difficult to retrieve from the extremely dangerous ancestral land of the family. That's why he went to great lengths to train Lan Yi to become a Cosmic Walker, hoping that she could retrieve the Bright Moon Warriors' inheritance from the ancestral land, thus breaking the family curse and further enhancing her own strength.

"This person mentioned the essence of the bright moon and the essence of the blazing sun. Could it be that he knows about my clan's hidden heritage...? The Divine Realm hides countless secrets. Could it be that my family's heritage is among them?"

In an instant, the head of the Lan family thought of many things.

Seeing that he didn't answer, Lei Chi continued, "The Cosmic Sword Technique has six sword styles: Sword One - Meteor, Sword Two - Bright Moon, Sword Three - Blazing Sun, Sword Four - Meteor Shower, Sword Five - Black Hole, Sword Six - Heaven Opening! To cultivate this technique, I must first comprehend the essence of Meteor. You are a Meteor Warrior; unleash your Meteor essence and let me experience it!"

"What?"

Lan Zheng swayed, muttering, "Sword One: Meteor, Sword Two: Bright Moon, Sword Three: Blazing Sun... Could this be the complete lineage of my Lan family? According to this, after the Blazing Sun Warrior, could there be a Meteor Warrior, a Black Hole Warrior, and a Heaven-Opening Warrior?"

(End of this chapter)