Published: February 9, 2025
“Is this the root system of the Death Vine?” Looking at the situation at the end of the passage, Ye Zhongming asked lightly.
Yang Yixi and Little Mu, the treeman beside him, nodded. The former smiled bitterly and said, “When I first saw this, I was also left speechless. This isn’t a root system; it looks more like iron rods covered in spikes. This entire area is like an iron cage, trapping the whole Linhai inside.”
Ye Zhongming had heard about the tunnels not being able to reach the city before, and he could roughly understand the reasons for it. However, it was only when he saw these roots of the Death Vine that he had a clear impression in his mind.
“No one knows how deep these things have burrowed underground. In the first few months of being trapped, there were attempts to bypass them from deeper regions, but all failed.”
Yang Yixi had a special expression on his face, suggesting that he had also been stubborn enough to try such things before.
“I can sense that these Death Vines can perceive us. As long as we don’t attempt to break through their range, they won't bother us. But once we try to leave, they will retaliate,” the treeman remarked, touching the damp wall beside him, his eyes half-closed.
The feast day had already begun, and the Yama Tree in the city center was radiating a dazzling light, visible from a long distance at night. Meanwhile, the Death Vines were extending their long leaves above ground, shaking rapidly and producing sounds that could attract evolved beings.
The Surge Power and other forces were prepared to break out, just waiting for the right moment. Once the Yama Tree and Death Vines returned to normal, it would be time to set off.
Ye Zhongming was merely lucky, wanting to see the root systems surrounding Linhai. After viewing them, he found he had no solution.
He had tested before, and these metallic-looking roots were far more dangerous than the leaves above ground.
For such mutated plants, even Ye Zhongming felt a headache.
The three of them left the long-abandoned passage, which once again fell into darkness. Among the dense roots of the Death Vine, occasional dark serpent-like creatures flashed by, but they were unseen by them.
For experienced survivors of Linhai, two days after the feast day began would be the time when all the Death Vines would retreat underground. Normally, the breakout would start at that time.
But for Ye Zhongming, he did not plan to leave then. Instead, he wanted to delay some more. During this time, Ye Zhongming began to crazily collect materials, even raising prices significantly.
It wasn’t until the energy display of the Gate of Sacrifice showed that all four slots were full that he gradually eased off.
Then… he activated this golden equipment.
Once again, a surprising golden light shot up into the sky. Even in the underground passage, the brilliant glow illuminated the entire place where Ye Zhongming was.
Ye Zhongming chose to perform this sacrifice at night. Unsure if it was due to this being the most energy-rich occasion, the golden light lasted longer than before. When everything calmed down again, many people had gathered around, but were stopped outside by the twin sisters.
Outside the city, when the golden light burst forth, the entire Ying City Coalition also sprang into action. The core members at Cloud Summit were invigorated, looking at the light in the sky, knowing that the boss's signal had arrived!
The final battle was about to begin.
Inside the city, Ye Zhongming looked at the box in his hand, excitement written all over his face.
“Grade A Offering Box (small).”
Ye Zhongming knew that the boxes given by the Gate of Sacrifice were divided into three levels: A, B, and C, so Grade A should be the highest level. Although it was just ‘small’, it likely only indicated the quantity of rewards inside.
Opening it, he took out the contents.
Ye Zhongming was left dumbfounded.
“Nature Essence!?”
What is this?
Previously, the boxes had mostly yielded equipment or skill upgrade scrolls, but this time it was…