When the dark-red magic fog sensed living beings approaching, it boiled as if it had a life of its own and surged toward them. If ordinary mortals, or even Ability Users and Ancient Martial Artists with slightly weaker Cultivation Levels, were caught in this bizarre and scorching fog, they would likely be devoured and torn to shreds or suffocated to death by the searing heat.
When they drew closer to the magic fog, they were shocked to discover what lay within... It was like a volcano in the midst of an eruption. A searing, lava-like heat billowed out, causing them to sweat profusely and struggle for breath. Even their clothes were quickly becoming drenched with large beads of sweat.
However, the fact that they could stand in this place at all proved they were not to be trifled with; they possessed real power. Each had their own methods to resist the bizarre fog and its intense heat.
Omado raised his hand while reciting an incantation, and a shimmering, azure ward materialized, enveloping his entire body. This ward was none other than the famous Water Magic Shield, well-known from movies, games, and novels.
Lorid, on the other hand, simply flung the cloak draped over his shoulders. A chilling current immediately flowed out and swirled around him, forming a mobile Ice Barrier a few meters in diameter. When the dark-red magic fog touched this frigid stream, it made a SIZZLING sound and instantly froze solid.
This proved that while Lorid might be arrogant, self-righteous, and pompous, his ss+ Ultimate level of strength was genuine. The magic fog seemed completely unable to affect him.
Of course, if a 'mere' ss+ Ultimate like him was completely unafraid of the surrounding magic fog, then Chen Fei, Young Master Chen, had even less to fear. The Sanyang True Fire swirled around his body like wisps of fiery red mist, yet he appeared to have taken no other defensive measures.
Whenever the magic fog drew near, the Sanyang True Fire would flare fiercely, incinerating and engulfing it completely, leaving not even a speck of dust behind.
Seeing this, Omado and the others trailing far behind Chen Fei were utterly shocked, their awe for Young Master Chen's terrifying power deepening.
And so, Chen Fei, Young Master Chen, walked forward with a placid expression. The others followed more than ten meters behind him with strange looks on their faces, creating an eerily silent and bizarre atmosphere.
These guys really know how to take advantage of a situation. In any case, the entire area we're in is completely submerged by the magic fog, so there isn't much difference between walking at the front or the back. If real danger strikes, none of us can escape. We're all in the same boat! Chen Fei, Young Master Chen, muttered with a slight, disdainful curl of his lips, but he couldn't be bothered to call out the opportunists trailing him.
But if this is all there is, this fog shouldn't be enough to kill an ss+ level expert, right? he then thought, frowning to himself as he sensed something was wrong. This magic fog has some lethal power, but for a group of at least ss+ level individuals, it's hardly terrifying. It's basically a piece of cake. But Omado said someone had already been devoured by this fog. What does that imply? Does it mean there are other dangers lurking within that we haven't yet encountered!?
At this thought, Chen Fei's gaze hardened, and he became even more cautious.
But just then, with a sharp CRACK, Chen Fei's expression changed. He stopped and looked down, his eyes narrowing.
He saw a pile of white bones at his feet. They were wrapped in tattered clothing, one half of which was burned to gray ash, while the other half remained as dirty fabric. That wasn't the main point, however. The crucial detail was the Western-style knight's sword lying next to the remains. It was broken in two, and the fracture point was blackened, with a few embers still glowing, as if it had just been melted apart!
"Mr. Chen, what is it? What happeβ Hiss! What is this?" Omado and the others, who had been lagging behind, saw Chen Fei stop abruptly. Their expressions shifted as they cautiously approached to ask what was wrong. But before Omado could finish his question, his gaze fell upon the skeleton and the broken sword at Chen Fei's feet. His face contorted in shock, and he audibly sucked in a sharp breath.
"What's wrong, Lord Omado? What happened?"
"Yeah, what's... Huh? What is that?"
...
Several voices called out from behind him.
"Mr. Omado, you recognize him, don't you?" At that moment, Chen Fei, Young Master Chen, quirked an eyebrow and turned to ask Omado, his expression stern.
"...Uh, gulp..." Omado's face was now panicked and pale. He swallowed hard, then reflexively licked his dry lips before speaking, his voice trembling. "If I'm not mistaken... this must be Mr. Canal. He entered the fog just before us. Like me, he possessed ss+ Peak power... and this broken sword appears to be the Holy Artifact he always carried. It was said to be just shy of becoming a Mid-Grade Holy Artifact... Gulp..."