This energy fluctuation is extremely concealed, as if someone is deliberately controlling it, preventing the energy from dispersing.
If it werenât for the Energy Detector, Duke and his group wouldnât have discovered this peculiar energy fluctuation.
Normally, due to its subtlety, this energy fluctuation wouldnât have reached here and would be hard to detect.
But judging from the condition of the people in front, itâs clear theyâve all noticed this energy fluctuation and are purposely waiting here for something.
Duke and the others decided to wait here as well, though they werenât sure what they were waiting for, they just followed suit, deciding to linger here regardless.
Just as the suffocating silence persisted for about half an hour, an unexpected change suddenly occurred.
BOOM!
A dull, thunderous noise, as if coming from the depths of the earth, resounded, causing the entire Blood-colored Plain to tremble.
Immediately following was an indescribable, turbulent surge of energy that erupted like an invisible tsunami from the uncharted territory, sweeping in.
The energy was so intense that the dark red bloodstains on the ground, dormant for countless millennia, seemed to be stimulated, flickering with the faintest, fleeting red glow.
The rusty, metallic scent in the air suddenly grew several times stronger, even carrying a strangely, unsettlingly sweet undertone.
In the distance, the space visible to the naked eye began to twist and ripple violently, like air under high heat, tearing the light apart into a fragmented mess.
Those originally stationed here all moved, flying up and watching the area from afar.
That area was no longer shrouded in darkness, but filled with fiery red light, nearly illuminating the entire fragmented region.
At the same time, the energy fluctuations emanating from there were extremely intense.
Dukeâs heart stirred; typically, items with such strong energy fluctuations are extremely rare treasures.
Especially since this thing is located in an unexplored region, suggesting it might be some sort of rare treasure.
The people present were evidently awaiting the appearance of something, but how they detected this situation remains a mystery.
Merrick was very interested in the object and immediately prepared to rush ahead to seize a lead.
Duke hurriedly sent out a message using Spiritual Power to stop him: "Wait a moment, this thing might not necessarily be a treasure. If thereâs any issue, the first to reach it will suffer. If this really is a treasure, it certainly wonât be easy to obtain..."
He wasnât blinded by the allure of treasure; instead, he remained even more composed, sensing something amiss, although he couldnât pinpoint it.
Hearing Dukeâs words, Merrick also cooled down a bit, starting to slow his flight.
The leading individual of the two academy-affiliated wizards in dark green robes shouted lowly, causing their magic wand to flare intensely. In an instant, they transformed into two interwoven green streaks, tearing through the air and charging toward the source of the red light at an astonishing speed.
They were evidently well prepared with a clear objective.
Next, the peculiar duo also sprang into action.
The burly man let out a beast-like growl, his legs powerfully pressing against the ground, launching his massive body like a cannonball, rushing forth with brute force.
His gray-cloaked companion moved in a much eerier manner, without obvious movements, melding into the shadows at their feet, leaving behind a faint gray smoke as the main body silently skimmed the ground at a speed not inferior to the burly manâs violent charge.
Only the old man in the purple robe remained unhurried.
He slowly stood up, securing a thick ancient book in his arms, with his withered fingers pointing in the air a few times.
The distortion of the surrounding space around him suddenly intensified; then, his entire being, along with the warped space, vanished as if erased from sight.
A moment later, his form vaguely appeared hundreds of meters ahead, moving as if jumping through folds in space.
Duke watched as these people displayed their powers but still didnât rush forward.
He keenly sensed the danger in the air, keeping him rational and calm.
He didnât believe these people had no sense of danger, but they still chose to proceed for the possible treasure.
It just shows the difference in perspective; Duke valued stability and believed safety was paramount, and treasures should be secured when they could be safely acquired.
If obtaining the treasure meant risking his life, it wasnât worth it at all.
Duke and Merrick checked the Energy Detector, confirming the presence of a high-intensity energy point ahead.
From the energy pointâs state, it likely wasnât a living creature, indeed suggesting it might be a treasure.
Duke and his group lingered at the rear, and when they finally reached the area, they saw what lay ahead.
A giant fiery red flower stood on the ground ahead, with four wide, transparent petals and a fiery red, transparent stem below.
One could see the massive energy flowing within the flower and the stem, revealing it to be purely Fire Attribute Energy upon closer inspection.
"This thing can be used as a Fire Attribute Crystal Core," Duke quickly realized its purpose.
He didnât know what it was but understood such pure and intense Fire Attribute must surely be used as a Crystal Core, and an excellent one at that.
Merrick looked at the flower thoughtfully, then spoke after a moment: "Could this be the Molten Fire Flower?"
"What is the Molten Fire Flower?" Duke inquired.
"The Molten Fire Flower can serve as a Fire Attribute Crystal Core, among its various uses. More importantly, it can improve a personâs Elemental Affinity, giving them a decent Fire Attribute Elemental Affinity, which is the most significant attribute," Merrick said.
Duke naturally knew what this meant; using the Molten Fire Flower as a Crystal Core would be somewhat wasteful.
For many wizards, Elemental Affinity is crucial; having a good Fire Attribute Affinity promises numerous benefits.
But for Duke, he didnât need the Molten Fire Flower to gain Fire Attribute Affinity, as he already possessed a very high Fire Attribute Affinity.
Merrick also wasnât very interested in it, leaning more towards the study of the Curse Element magic.
However, for others, it was different; their discernment was clear, recognizing what it was and displaying hints of greed in their eyes.
Simply obtaining the Molten Fire Flower meant it could be either used or sold for a high price.
Items affecting Elemental Affinity are essential resources for training core individuals in major wizard factions; its value is undoubtedly high.