Published: March 12, 2025
CHAPTER 439: Two-in-One
Zhao Wen dared to pass through the territory of this platypus because, although the platypus was very aggressive, it had a relatively good temperament in the Corpse Swamp and took good care of novice ninth-level experts like them. Therefore, Zhao Wen felt confident in crossing its territory.
However, to pass through its territory, he still needed to greet it. This was a sign of respect towards powerful beings. Unlike the human race, orcs held great respect for power; they typically wouldn't challenge those who were older than them unless absolutely necessary.
Zhao Wen flew to the outskirts of the platypus's territory and stopped. He then used his divine sense to convey, “Soul-eating blood mosquito greets Lord Platypus.”
After a while, a gentle voice responded, “Oh, it's you. What brings this little mosquito to my domain?”
Zhao Wen immediately replied, “My Lord, I wish to pass through your territory to attend to some matters with the lark, so I specifically came to greet you.”
As Zhao Hai's voice fell, a gigantic platypus appeared before him. This platypus measured nearly fifty meters in length and was about twenty meters high while lying down. Zhao Wen, who was not small himself, felt like a tiny creature in front of this platypus.
The platypus had golden fur that fluttered gently in the wind, appearing very smooth. It had small eyes and a large duck bill, with short, thick limbs and a stubby but sturdy tail. Despite its size, it didn't seem intimidating at all; instead, it looked rather endearing.
Zhao Wen didn't dare to be careless. Although ninth-level experts could change their size, ordinary magical beasts of ninth-level preferred to maintain their original forms because it made them feel more comfortable and awe-inspiring. Clearly, the platypus was such a ninth-level expert.
Zhao Wen said to the platypus, “I pay my respects, my Lord. I need to cross into the lark's territory. To do so, I must pass through yours, hence my visit.”
The platypus chuckled and said, “You are quite amusing, little one. It seems you are new to being a ninth-level and not quite accustomed yet. Generally, one doesn't wander about so casually. What business do you have with the lark?”
Zhao Wen glanced at the platypus and suddenly had a spark of inspiration. He said, “My Lord, I've recently acquired this staff and discovered that it seems to possess spatial capabilities. I sent some of my subordinates inside, and they actually emerged alive. Later, I went in as well and found that the space inside is enormous; I couldn't reach the end even after flying for a while. I've heard that the lark is very quick, so I wanted to invite him to explore this space together and see what kind of place it is.”
Zhao Wen was becoming increasingly clever; he was essentially trying to entice the platypus. If he could deceive the platypus into the space, they would become prosperous. In the Corpse Swamp, even if they faced ninth-level experts head-on, they wouldn't fear them anymore.
As expected, upon hearing Zhao Wen's words, the platypus looked curiously at the Evil Spirit Staff in Zhao Wen's hand and asked, “Is the space really that large? I've heard of spatial equipment, but it seems like it’s only used by certain tribes. Here, only the mice utilize spatial energy, but their spatial energy can only create small spaces to store things, which isn't very useful. Is the space your staff opens really that vast?”
Seeing that the platypus was indeed interested, Zhao Wen quickly said, “Of course it's true! The space inside is truly enormous. I've flown for ten days inside without reaching the end, so I wanted to invite the lark to fly in two different directions with me to measure just how big this space is.”
The platypus was clearly intrigued. It looked at Zhao Wen and asked, “Can you open this space so I can take a look? I've never seen such a magical space before.”
Zhao Wen quickly replied, “Of course!” Zhao Hai, who was observing Zhao Wen's performance in the space, felt a surge of excitement. A spatial rift appeared beside Zhao Wen. He breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the platypus, saying, “My Lord, please.” After saying this, he stood by the spatial rift, which was meant to reassure the platypus. After all, spatial energy could easily kill a ninth-level expert, and the platypus might worry that Zhao Wen was deceiving it. If it stepped into the rift and it suddenly closed, it would be doomed.