He changed Tiwat

"Senior Jiang Xue, let's go down and investigate."

Han Fulai clasped his hands together and chanted, "The rock is drawn together by the six directions to form bones," and the jade shield suddenly shone with golden light.

Jiang Xue drew her bladeless sword, leaped into the air, and Han Fulai followed closely behind, heading straight for the mysterious dark red mechanism.

Chapter 179 Fragments of the Nine Heavens Stone (Part 2)

The closer you get to the "Wishing Stone," the more you can feel the unusual atmosphere of this place.

Even people with extraordinary strength like Han Fulai and Jiang Xue could feel the obvious change in the air—it was muggy.

Although the jade scepter shielded him, Han Fulai couldn't feel the black mud corroding his body, but the temperature on the ground had indeed risen. It was as if the "wishing stone" was some kind of energy reactor, emitting light and heat at the same time.

From a physics perspective, light and heat have always been closely linked. Just as the "Lumen Stone" catalyst in Han Fulai's hand gives people a warm feeling, if the "Wishing Stone" is regarded as a large "Lumen Stone", its internal temperature is probably quite high.

With a gun in one hand and a "Lumenite" catalyst in the other, Han Fulai slowly approached the dark red mechanism covered in black mud, wary of any possible anomalies.

After "Pure Light Bloom" was activated, the black mud was dispersed by light energy, and the mechanism hidden inside was finally revealed.

It was a rectangular stone base with patterns resembling characters engraved on it—but Han Fulai did not recognize the characters and could only tell from the arrangement of the patterns that they probably had some special meaning.

The dark red, mineral-like mechanical component they had seen earlier, the part that was transmitting energy to the "Wishing Stone" in Jiang Xue's elemental vision, looked very familiar.

Jiang Xue and Han Fulai recognized what it was almost simultaneously—"It's 'lumen'/red 'lumen'!"

The "Luminite" catalyst in Han Fulai's hand trembled with unprecedented joy, as if it had met a long-lost relative. Even without Han Fulai's immortal power to activate it, the light energy within it began to increase its brightness on its own.

"This is..." Han Fulai thoughtfully brought the "Lumenite" catalyst to the vicinity of the mechanical components.

A beam of white light burst forth from the Lumenite catalyst. This light did not scatter to illuminate the darkness, but instead formed a strange band of light that connected the red Lumenite to itself as if it were a physical entity, looking like a data cable connecting two machines.

This "data cable" transmits the light energy contained in the "lumenstone".

As the luminescence of the "Lumen Stone" catalyst in Han Fulai's hand gradually dimmed, the red "Lumen Stone" that had been installed on the mechanism slowly changed color, gradually transforming from dark red to the same sky blue as ordinary "Lumen Stones".

"...The nature of the energy has changed," Jiang Xue added at the opportune moment, her elemental vision activated.

Even without Jiang Xue's explanation, Han Fulai, lacking elemental vision, could clearly see with his naked eye that the mechanism was emitting a white light that was being transmitted towards the "Wishing Stone" in mid-air. This was obviously the kind of light energy capable of dispelling the black mud.

The red Lumenite emits the same "chaotic power" as black mud, while the blue Lumenite possesses the same light energy as the "wishing stone".

The lumenite catalyst in his hand just now seemed to have performed a "purification" process on its own.

However, although the energy properties of this mechanism have been altered, the "Wishing Stone" seems to have remained completely unchanged.

While replenishing the crystal light energy of the "Lumen Stone" catalyst, which had run out of energy, Han Fulai silently watched the "Wishing Stone" and said after a long while, "Senior Jiang Xue, let's try to 'purify' the remaining two mechanisms as well. I guess that doing so will definitely bring about some changes."

Jiang Xue only replied with one sentence: "Be vigilant."

Han Fulai understood and nodded slightly.

Although it is not yet known who set up these traps, Han Fulai has already obtained a lot of valuable information.

First, "Lumen stone" may be contaminated by the power of black mud, which will form this red "Lumen stone".

Second, the purpose of these institutions is to pollute the "wishing stone".

The principle should be the same as the light energy of the "wishing stone" assimilates minerals to generate "lumen," and conversely, the energy of the black mud assimilates the "wishing stone."

If these mechanisms continue to operate for an extended period, the nature of the "wishing stone" may change.

Zhiqiong previously thought that the "wishing stone" and black mud were the same thing, and that they could give people the same uncomfortable feeling. This was probably because the "wishing stone" was contaminated—because Zhiqiong did not have such an abnormal feeling when she looked at the "lumen stone".

In addition...

Third, these structures were not buried for long; it must have happened in the last two days.

The reason is also clear: three days ago, on the night the Abyss of the Laminar Rocks opened, Qi Ding came here and came into contact with the "Wishing Stone". If the "Wishing Stone" was already contaminated at that time, the "Wishing Stone Incarnation" would not have appeared - and Qi Ding would very likely not have been able to come back alive.

When Han Fulai was looking at the "Wishing Stone" just now, he had already silently prayed to the "Wishing Stone" according to what the miners said. Theoretically, there should have been a voice or something like the "Wishing Stone incarnation" communicating with him, but he didn't feel anything.

Neither the mental confusion experienced by the miners nor the "auditory hallucinations" mentioned in Lao He's diary occurred—the "wishing stone" has likely lost its effectiveness; at the very least, it is no longer able to respond to others' wishes.

Jiang Xue's reminder was a warning to him that those who planted these traps were likely hiding nearby.

Those people went to great lengths to set up traps to corrupt the "Wishing Stone," so their intentions must be far greater. Even if they didn't keep a close eye on these traps, they would at least have arranged some surveillance techniques or manpower.

They just deactivated one of the mechanisms, which may have triggered some kind of alarm. The other two mechanisms probably won't be so easy to deactivate.

Sure enough, just as Han Fulai and Jiang Xue approached the second mechanism, the black mud surrounding it began to bubble and froth.

The black mud surged and suddenly sprayed into the sky like a fountain, just like a long spear breaking through the water and shooting straight into the sky.

Han Fulai and Jiang Xue dodged the splashing black mud, and saw a pitch-black figure standing in the center of the mud.

The man was dressed in full knight's armor and carried a banner that was about ten feet tall. The banner was fiery red, as if woven from flames, and was decorated with shimmering golden runes, like a blazing sun.

There was no dialogue, no shouting, only the sound of banners piercing the air.

The black-clad knight launched an attack the moment he met the two!

When still, it is as immovable as a mountain; when in motion, it is as fierce as fire!

Han Fulai was the first to be hit; before he could react, the fiery red banner had already swept in front of him.

Only then did he realize that the banner was not a physical object, but rather a flame formed from fire elemental energy!

Flames swept across the jade shield, creating ripples. Han Fulai's pupils shrank, and he flew backward—the banner, like the "Bleeding Dog's" attack, had the ability to erode the shield!

Although the Jade Shield had not been broken, Han Fulai could already feel the energy within it decreasing rapidly.

Who is this guy? A human-shaped "bleeding dog"?

Just then, Jiang Xue's voice came from behind him: "Be careful, it's an 'empty shell'!"

Chapter 180 Stepping Kill - Shattered Dream!

Brother, who understands just by saying "empty shell"?

Han Fulai silently complained in his heart, but his hands were not slow. He quickly channeled his immortal power and once again summoned the "Luminous Stone" catalyst.

Suddenly, "Pure Light Bloom" shone brightly, and the light energy of "Luminite" dispelled the black mud in front of it.

However, the black-clad knight remained unaffected, raising his banner once more like a spear aimed straight at Han Fulai's face.

This thing clearly crawled out of the black mud, yet it's unaffected by light energy?

Startled, Han Fulai instinctively raised his black-tasseled spear, barely managing to block the black knight's attack. However, the tingling sensation in his palm made him realize that there was a huge difference in strength between him and his opponent.

The Black Knight pressed his advantage, flicking his left hand across the banner to grab a ball of flame, which he then hurled at Han Fulai like a grenade.

Unaware of his opponent's moves, Han Fulai dared not take the attack head-on. He dodged, and the fireball slammed into the ground, creating a crater several feet long in the hard rock. The flames that erupted were like a persistent, insidious ailment, burning relentlessly even on the rocky surface!

This guy is incredibly strong, has formidable martial arts skills, can fight both in close combat and at a distance, can manipulate elemental power, and can also erode the energy of shields... He's practically the nemesis of a melee mage like him!

Moreover, this guy unleashed several attacks in quick succession without showing any signs of fatigue, clearly holding back his strength. It's unknown whether this so-called "empty shell" possesses any even stronger moves; a prolonged battle would obviously be disadvantageous for him.

Han Fulai gritted his teeth. Facing this unknown new enemy, he should go all out from the start! A humanoid "bleeding dog," huh? Take my "Wind-Catching Stone"!

"Senior Jiang Xue, please..." Han Fulai was about to call on Jiang Xue to help him buy some time when he heard Jiang Xue shout in a low voice, "Watch out behind you!"

Han Fu turned around and saw a tall knight, also dressed in black armor, rushing towards him. Jiang Xue was incredibly swift and quickly blocked the black knight's path. Her bladeless sword gleamed with a foot-long blade of light, colliding with the black knight's lance with a loud clang.

The black knight missed its first attack, then swept its lance horizontally, the tip of which gathered a cone of blue water elemental light, more than doubling the range of its sweep.

Jiang Xue did not engage in a direct confrontation. Instead, she used the momentum to retreat and dodge the opponent's sweeping attack, while simultaneously shouting, "Shield!"

Han Fulai understood and quickly channeled his immortal power to envelop Jiang Xue's body within the Jade Shield's range. The two stood back to back, each guarding against the enemy in front of them. At the same time, the "empty shell" holding the knight's lance spun, and a spiral-shaped water bullet struck the Jade Shield, splashing up a massive curtain of water.

Just then, several cold lights appeared above Jiang Xue and Han Fulai's heads.

Arrows rained down.

In the distance beyond the reach of the Lumenite catalyst, a black knight lurks in the darkness, holding a longbow and firing arrows that bloom like frost.

When ice and water react, the result is, of course, freezing!

The golden jade shield was covered in layers of frost, and the area around the two of them was completely frozen. Without the jade shield, the two of them would probably be frozen into ice sculptures by now.

Han Fulai's expression was equally cold and frosty.

The enemy's ranged archers remained hidden in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash an ice elemental area-of-effect attack, restricting their movement. Their coordination was absolutely brilliant!

Moreover, the black knight holding the banner would not let this opportunity pass.

The banner was waved again, flames flashed, and the fire and ice elements reacted, giving Han Fulai and his group a solid melting blow!

The jade shield trembled violently, its golden light dimming further. The attack had not only contained the power of elemental reactions but also amplified the corrosive force that weakened the shield.

There are three enemies, divided into close-range, mid-range, and long-range fighters. They can all use elemental power, and they coordinate perfectly. They even know how to use elemental reactions! These are unprecedentedly powerful enemies!

These "empty shells" that Jiang Xue mentioned were not only individually powerful, but also capable of orderly attacks and mutual cover, with a well-organized approach to advancing and retreating, and clean and efficient in their attacks. This reminded Han Fulai of the Fools' combat squad he had seen during the Battle of Oser—were these guys soldiers?

If they are soldiers, is there a commander behind them?

Han Fulai pursed his lips into a thin line. The problem wasn't the enemy's identity, but how to deal with the situation now.

With two enemy mid-range and melee black knights holding off his own forces, and with the help of ranged harassment and elemental reactions, his Jade Shield would soon crumble. He had to find a way to counterattack before the shield was broken. At this moment, Han Fulai's weakness as a melee mage was also exposed – at least so far, he had not figured out any ranged moves, and he could not deal with the ranged archer hiding in the shadows.

Moreover, given the strength demonstrated by these two black knights, if the battle drags on until the Jade Shield shatters, he will have a hard time even protecting himself.

Should he go all out now, using "Heavenly Movement" to eliminate the two nearby black knights, then immediately retreat and hand over the ranged archer to the swift Jiang Xue? But are there only three black knights on the other side? If he can hide one, he can certainly hide two, ten... Can he survive the gap in the Jade Shield's effect?

Han Fulai had realized that this black mud swamp was probably a trap set by the commander behind these guys—because he had to pass through this area to get to the bottom of the "Wishing Stone" no matter what.

The enemy chose to ambush them in this area with black mud swamps, and used those traps as bait. In order to disarm the traps, they had no choice but to step into the ambush zone!

Just as he was rapidly weighing tactics in his mind, Jiang Xue's voice rang out: "You hold off the one carrying the flag; half a minute will be enough."

Han Fulai felt Jiang Xue's back bounce against his back, and then she disappeared without a trace.

Jiang Xue didn't actually disappear; he was just too fast, so fast that the naked eye could barely catch a glimpse of him.

As he leaped across the frozen area and landed on solid ground, his bladeless sword drew several white streaks in the air, and invisible sword energy pierced through the air, heading straight for the black knight holding a lance not far away.

The black knight possessed remarkable combat instincts, recognizing the power of the invisible sword energy. He swept his spear across, creating another curtain of water. The water curtain collided with the sword energy, leaving its mark. The black knight dodged most of the sword energy, using his lance and armor to withstand the remaining attacks.

The sword energy sliced ​​through the armor, but no blood seeped out; only wisps of black energy leaked out, as if there was no physical entity inside the armor.

Jiang Xue showed no surprise. Stepping on the North Star, she moved with the grace of the stars, her feet resting on the constellations. Her movements were fluid and agile, causing the arrows from the distant archers to miss their mark. In an instant, Jiang Xue had closed in on the black knight wielding a lance.

Suddenly, the light and agile steps turned heavy, and the last step seemed to have the force of a thousand pounds, leaving a deep footprint on the solid rock of the giant abyss!

The elusive footwork is merely to deceive the enemy, while the decisive move is a step that shifts from light to heavy!

The black knight raised his lance to block his path, but Jiang Xue's figure had already leaped into the air in that single step. He gripped the hilt of his sword with both hands as if it were a greatsword as heavy as a rock, and the bladeless sword in his hands emitted a sword light about a foot long.

Battlefield martial arts: life and death are decided in an instant, and life and death depend on a single strike!

"Step-Slaying Kill - Shattered Dream!"

Jiang Xue shouted and swung her longsword, cleaving the black knight in two along with the black lance.

Chapter 181 Swift Assassination - Unrestrained

When Jiang Xue told him to stall for half a minute, Han Fulai already understood the strategy of the former commander of the Qianyan Army.

The three black knights surrounded and killed the two of them using military formations. They were powerful, coordinated perfectly, and had the ability to destroy shields. Passively taking the beating was tantamount to suicide.

If the two of them stay together, they will become targets for the enemy to gang up on. The enemy has skills that can attack in a wide area, so if the two of them stay together, they will be attacked together.

Logically, in this situation, the two of them should concentrate their superior forces to attack the same enemy and break through the encirclement—but unfortunately, Han Fulai is not a soldier, nor has he ever cooperated with Jiang Xue in martial arts, and... the attack skills he creates using the Salt God's power are basically indiscriminate area-of-effect attacks. Under these circumstances, if the two of them launch an attack together, there is no guarantee that friendly fire will occur.

Jiang Xue clearly noticed the awkward situation as well.

Jiang Xue's strategy was to divide the enemy in two.

Although the enemy's three-man coordinated attack was well-coordinated, they were still positioned in three different locations. If there was a way to dodge the enemy's ranged support, the situation of being surrounded and attacked could be turned into a one-on-one duel in a short period of time.

Jiang Xue's instruction to stall for half a minute was very clear—he could kill the two "empty shells" over there within half a minute, and Han Fulai only needed to ensure that he wouldn't be attacked from behind by the remaining empty shell.

After Jiang Xue deals with the two black knights, she will turn around and help Han Fu deal with the one carrying the flag in front of him.

In other words, as long as she wasn't surrounded, Jiang Xue had enough strength to defeat her opponents one by one—if it weren't for Jiang Xue acting as a "bodyguard" to shield Han Fu from the risk of being caught in a pincer movement, she probably would have already gone around to cut off the enemy's ranged backline.

Jiang Xue hadn't immediately joined him in dealing with the black knight who first appeared because she was preparing for a surprise attack from another direction and searching for hidden enemies. Now that he knew the exact locations of the three enemies, he took action.

Although Jiang Xue only needed Han Fulai to hold off the flag bearer for half a minute, and Han Fulai could indeed do it... he didn't want Jiang Xue to steal all the kills.

Jiang Xue's arrangement was based on the abilities Han Fu demonstrated when he "sparred" with Han Fu at Dihua Island.

He was unaware that Han Fulai had recently devised a new strategy.

Jiang Xue asked him to hold off the enemy behind him, but wasn't he also in need of Jiang Xue to hold off the enemy behind him?

Han Fulai raised his spear and chanted in a low voice: "True god, true saint, and true immortal; learned in Confucianism and Taoism, a wise man. Inexhaustible secrets in his mind; ruling over half the sky, both civil and military!"

In the blink of an eye, his black pupils had turned gold.