Chapter 1188: Chapter 178: The Final Preparations and Departure (Thanks to the chief Yin Liuxiao!)_3
Regarding the others, Ian didnât ask much. Ian Gard and Anfa were definitely fully equipped, while Sio was essentially here for rehabilitation... and to help Ian conceal his identity.
This time, Anfa brought along an extra cybernetic body. This bodyâs abilities were similar to Sioâs cybernetic body, and its appearance was that of the young girl Sio used to mimic. When clad in defensive armor, it was enough to simulate Sioâs presence.
As for Sio, she will wear the Entangling Void Armor at a critical moment to simulate Ianâs presence.
Then Ian could operate independently for a period and have a solid alibi!
Regarding Ianâs plan, some in the team naturally deemed it dangerous and opposed itâbut Ian quickly convinced them.
"I have some truly important secrets."
He stated calmly, "These secrets are of great significance, related to my talent, legacy, and the power I currently possess... you should understand what level of secrets these are, right? Please donât delve too deeply; itâs for the safety of all of us."
"But this time," he continued, his gaze lowering, "If I can come back alive, then I will..."
"No!" Upon hearing this, Ian Gard immediately signaled to stop, shaking his head vehemently, "Donât say such things! It will invite misfortune!"
Everyone has secrets, and Ianâs secrets are known by all who are familiar with him, yet they all tacitly refrain from probing into them.
Given Ianâs willingness to reveal the truth upon his return, they would just have to wait.
Aside from that, thereâs the Essence Furnace Core, Meditative Soul, and Pioneer of Iron... Ian has already advanced the completion to sixty percent. However, as the materials for Fairy Third Tier are yet unattainable, and Iron Lordâs Domain of Extremes is incomplete, the progress is stalled.
Nevertheless, even an imperfect Pioneer of Iron is completely sufficient.
Throughout the camp, as long as no Fourth Level entity engages, Ian could defeat everyone... even if all engaged simultaneously, defeating him would be impossible!
As for the Ancient Dragon Heart Core and the Aether Crystal, their operations are very smooth. The Ancient Dragon Heart Core even has an implicit sense of excitement, perhaps sensing the surrounding dragon blood and wanting to complete itself?
"Next, adjust your state and prepare for departure."
After organizing his weapons and trump cards, a somewhat weary Ian removed his coat, lay on the bed, and covered himself with a blanket for a good nightâs sleep.
A dreamless night.
...
In the year 874 of Terra, June 12th.
The exploration began.
"The Exotic Species Research Institute is located deep underground, with dozens of different entrances. Each team has different departure sequences and entry points to avoid conflicts at the start, also for comprehensive exploration."
"We are the seventh to depart."
When the King of the Mountain came to the camp to announce the Southern Ridge Worship Dragon Sectâs entry order, Ian didnât feel surprised.
First would undoubtedly be Canaan Moore, followed by The Empire and the Azure Sky Royal Court. Afterwards, Yanjiang and the City of Knowledge, followed by Canaan Mooreâs Dragon Worship Cult.
The Southern Ridge Worship Dragon Sect ranking seventh was naturally normal, and those ranking after them would obviously be the Silver Fae from the Death Mechanism Country.
Ian saw those Silver Fae from afar, unlike the generally carefree and sometimes drunken Fae in a bar (Ian actually couldnât understand why Fae would get drunk), the Silver Faeâs nature seemed entirely different from other Fae origins. Though theyâre hospitable and have the quirky or perhaps peculiar thinking patterns of other Fae, theyâre exceedingly proficient in cooperation, battle, and destruction, becoming the sharpest spear among the Fae.
Under the Dragon King of Death Timothaelâs command, these Silver Fae were trained to be incredibly elite; merely seeing them from afar exudes an aura of deadly precision.
But this doesnât hinder the fact that ten some Fae sitting in a row merely resemble a large box of eggs.
"...Silver Fae, huh."
Ian gazed at the distant Fae team, nodding slightly, "After reaching Third Tier, concealing my true power with normal disguises will be absolutely insufficient."
"I must change. I need to try acquiring the âSilver Faeâ Bloodline... at the very least, I must make a connection with them this time."
"If given a chance, Iâll lend them a hand in the ruins."
Led by the King of the Mountain, Ian and his team took Canaan Mooreâs dragonfly-like high-speed craft to the nearby âExotic Species Research Institute Number Seven Entrance.â
This entrance is located around the Favette Mountain Range, a usual wilderness area with sparse vegetation and rugged boulders scattered around. Yet, it has considerable gold and various mineral reserves, leading to several mining towns in this deserted expanse.
The initial discovering of the Exotic Species Research Institute entrance and Qing Steel Stone were precisely by these miners... they opened a tunnel leading to a subterranean cavity, exposing the truths buried underground.
The relicâs entrance wasnât conspicuous, with only a simple entrance zone established by Canaan Mooreâs staff, adjacent to the logistics team with prepared supplies. From far, it resembled more like a mining transfer point, exceptionally well-concealed.
In the center of the entrance area sits a massive crevice, several tens of meters wide, seemingly leading straight to the depths below, with only the central section artificially carved, the rest shaped by recent natural changes.
Standing in front of this deep, dark rift, Ian gazed thoughtfully into the depths below.
"Whatâs wrong?"
Noticing his friendâs somewhat grim expression, Ian Gard approached for inquiry.
"Hmm... extraordinary."
Ian replied without turning his head, his eyes shimmering in water-cyan hues, reflecting a brilliant radiance.
A glow mingling gold and silver, granting a sense of unbelievable grandeur and majesty!
âIndeed.
Ian thought thus. Inside the Exotic Species Research Institute, there really exists a creature approaching Fifth Energy Level!