blogombal Page 228
Page 228
“They are extremely dependent on an energy source that we have tentatively named ‘Heart of the Black Tide,’ which is usually hidden in the deepest part of their nests and guarded by powerful guardians.”
"It is this source that continuously transforms the waters, spreads the aura of the Black Tide, and endows the water ghouls with powerful strength and bizarre regenerative abilities."
"Our four squads of the Sword of Judgment, together with several other brother units, paid the price of two elite squads being completely wiped out, 15 Black Iron level experts killed, and 23 seriously wounded or crippled, in order to confirm the approximate location of one of the Black Tide Heart source points in a surprise attack."
"Destroying the 'Heart of the Black Tide' will significantly weaken the power of the water ghosts, and may even trigger a chain reaction, clearing away the Black Tide pollution from large areas of water, giving us a precious breathing space, and even the possibility of turning the tide."
"It's like the source of the Black Tide. This thing must be something the enemy is guarding against so closely, right? Can we really destroy it?" Han Ning frowned.
It was already so difficult to deal with an army of water ghouls that had gone out.
Not to mention destroying their lifeline within their own stronghold.
Is this easier said than done?
"Through joint analysis of numerous water ghoul samples by the military and several large clusters of scientific research institutions, we discovered that they are not entirely immortal."
"'The Heart of the Black Tide' is not always in a highly active state; it has an interval in its energy fluctuations, like... a brief pause between heartbeats."
"During that extremely short window of opportunity, its energy fluctuations and defenses will be at their lowest, which is also the moment when its connection with the external priests' spirit is most vulnerable."
"At the same time, the combat power of monsters near the Heart of the Black Tide affected by the Black Tide will be suppressed to a relatively weak stage."
"The core of the plan is to seize this period of chaos, gather superior forces, and forcibly destroy the 'source'."
Li Feng's expression was unusually serious.
"This is not a task that one or two experts can accomplish; it requires the united efforts of all human survivors."
"First, we need to form a defensive array and a cleanup force composed of a large number of mid- to low-level awakened individuals."
"They are responsible for building defenses, resisting and clearing out the seemingly endless hordes of ordinary water goblins and black snakes, creating a passage for high-end combat forces to approach the source. Without them, even the strongest individual would be submerged by the endless tide."
"Secondly, we need an elite commando team composed of top-tier Black Iron level fighters."
"Their mission is to break through the high-ranking water ghouls' protective circle and deal with those elite mutants."
"Finally, and most importantly, we need a series of destruction squads composed of top-tier combatants to attack the water ghoul legion with the main force. Taking advantage of the chaos during the water ghoul priests' casting of large spells, we need to break through the last line of defense as quickly as possible, destroy the priests and their guards, or directly destroy the source point structure."
He looked at Han Ning, his tone very serious:
"Chief Han, the strength you and your partners have demonstrated far exceeded our expectations. On behalf of the Sword of Judgment and all parties involved in this joint operation, I solemnly invite you, along with the Awakened Ones of the Azure Cloud Gathering Zone, to join the 'Deep Tide Decapitation' plan. We need your strength."
Chapter 266 Gifts
"This matter is of great importance. Let me go back and discuss it carefully with the brothers in the settlement before making a decision."
Han Ning did not respond immediately to Li Feng's earnest invitation.
Such an important matter cannot be agreed to lightly.
He surveyed the surrounding survivors of the highland outpost, who were covered in wounds, and said:
"The most pressing issue right now is how to deal with those relentlessly pursuing water zombies. Colonel Li, what are your plans?"
Li Feng was not surprised by Han Ning's avoidance of the topic:
"Chief Han's consideration is commendable. As for these pursuing monsters, we, the Sword of Judgment, will not stand idly by."
"The high ground outposts are important allies of ours, and it is our duty to help them repel the enemy and rebuild their homes."
"We will immediately organize manpower to set up temporary blocking positions to cover the evacuation and reorganization of Leader Gu and Deputy Leader Qian."
He changed the subject, looking at Han Ning again with a sincere gaze:
"That's why I hope that powerful forces like Chief Han and the Biyun Gathering Area can join our alliance."
"Join our alliance. When danger comes, the factions can not only help each other, but also share technology. The Sword of Judgment will also unconditionally share information about otherworldly monsters with our allies."
"Chief Han Ning, I hope you will consider this carefully."
Li Feng extended an olive branch once again.
Han Ning hesitated for a moment, remaining cautious:
"Joining the alliance is a big deal, and I need to hear everyone's opinions. Thank you for the invitation, Colonel Li."
He felt he had done everything he needed to, and seeing the men of the Sword of Judgment beginning to systematically take over the defenses of the high ground outpost, he began to consider leaving.
"Now that the Sword of Judgment has taken over this area, we'll take our leave. We also need to prepare for the gathering area as soon as possible."
"Alright, please go ahead." Li Feng nodded slightly.
"Chief Han, please wait."
Just then, Gu Cheng strode forward and called out to Han Ning, who was about to leave.
He now held a jade box about the size of a palm.
The jade box had a warm and smooth texture, an antique color, and simple cloud patterns carved on its surface. It was sealed very well, so you couldn't tell what was inside, nor did it emit any particularly strong energy fluctuations.
Gu Cheng handed the jade box to Han Ning with both hands, his tone sincere:
"Chief Han, if it weren't for your help today, the thousands of men at my high ground outpost would probably have perished here. We have no way to repay your life-saving grace."
"This is just a small gift to express my gratitude; I hope you will not refuse it."
Han Ning glanced at the jade box and probed it with his spiritual power, but still could not detect anything special. It seemed to be just an ordinary container with exquisite workmanship.
But as the leader of a large gathering area, the thank-you gift that Gu Cheng solemnly presented was certainly not an ordinary item.
He pondered for a moment, then readily accepted it, feeling the coolness of the jade box in his hand.
"Chief Gu is too kind. In that case, I will accept your offer. Please contact me via communicator if needed."
"Take care of yourself!"
Han Ning casually put away the jade box, waved goodbye to Gu Cheng, Li Feng and the others, and then, without further delay, signaled to Zhao Kai, Xu Ming and the others, before leading Bi Yun's group of warriors and disappearing into the vast mountains and forests.
Watching Han Ning and the others completely disappear from sight, Li Feng slowly withdrew his gaze and said to Gu Cheng beside him with a touch of emotion:
"Old Gu, you're really generous, actually giving that thing to him. You've made a wasted trip this time."
Gu Cheng laughed heartily:
"No matter how good the items are, they are still inanimate objects. If Han Ning hadn't stepped forward today and stopped the monster's pursuit, Lao Qian and so many brothers would have become remnants of souls under the claws of the water corpse demon. Human life is more valuable than anything else."
"To be honest, I was a little surprised that Han Ning came, after all, we had some unpleasantness before," Qian Zhen, who was listening in, said apologetically.
"Oh? Tell me more about it." Gu Cheng raised an eyebrow.
"..." Qian Zhenjian honestly recounted the unpleasantness they experienced when distributing the treasures after exploring the fishman ruins.
Upon hearing this, Li Feng dropped his teasing tone and nodded solemnly:
"Han Ning is indeed a person worth getting to know better, being able to put aside his prejudices and come to provide support. I hope he will seriously consider my proposal."
"Yes, he is a smart man, otherwise he would not have risked coming to our aid today. However, he is responsible for the survival of the entire settlement, so he will definitely act cautiously."
Gu Cheng gazed in the direction Han Ning had left.
"I believe he will make the most advantageous choice. Let's go, Colonel Li. We also have a lot of troubles at hand. We need to get the troops back in order as soon as possible and rebuild our homeland with the strength you bring!"
……
By the time we returned to the Biyun settlement area, it was completely dark.
The cave was brightly lit inside and out, and guards were stationed behind all the fortifications. Patrol teams vigilantly watched for any movement outside the forest.
The tense atmosphere eased slightly when many survivors saw Han Ning and his group return safely.
"Boss, you're finally back!" Chairman Wu rushed forward, his face filled with worry, and asked...
"How's the situation at the high ground outpost? Will the army of water ghouls attack?"
"It's okay for now."
Han Ning shook his head.
"The high ground outpost suffered heavy losses, but the people from the Sword of Judgment have arrived and can temporarily stabilize the situation. However, we cannot let our guard down, as the water ghouls may still attack us."
"Temporarily lift the highest level of alert, but maintain perimeter vigilance. Lao Xu, Lao Zhao, you two go and rest."
He gave a few brief instructions and then took the antique jade box to his rest area.
Closing the door shut out the noise from outside.
Inside the lounge was a light-emitting stone, casting a soft, dim yellow light.
Han Ning sat down at the wooden table and took out the jade box.
The box was cool to the touch, and it was perfectly sealed, with no visible mechanism to open it.
He tried to penetrate with his mental power, but was blocked by a layer of gentle energy.
"It's quite well hidden." A green light emanated from Han Ning's fingertips as natural spiritual energy slowly flowed into the grooves of the cloud pattern.
The jade box vibrated slightly, making a soft "click" sound, and the lid quietly slid open a crack.
The instant the crack appeared, a solid, silvery-white beam of light burst forth from the box, illuminating the entire room as bright as day.
The dust on the desktop was pushed aside by an invisible force field, forming a clear ripple.
"Aww?!" Snowcake, who was lying outside, suddenly raised its head and stared intently in the direction of the jade box.
Inside the box, a fragment about the size of a fingernail lay quietly.
It is silvery-white all over, with a texture similar to some kind of glass or crystal, and irregular edges.
The terrifying energy fluctuations that sent chills down your spine emanated from this tiny fragment.
Chapter 267 Radiant Silver Fragments, Cataclysmic Druid
Han Ning even felt that just by getting close to it, the spiritual power and mental energy he had just consumed in the battle were being replenished at a rapid pace, even several times faster than when he absorbed the black iron-grade crystal.
"What...is this?" He cautiously extended his index finger and touched the fragment.
It feels cool to the touch, and at the same time, a line of small text automatically appears on the panel:
[High-level energy carrier—a fragment of radiant silver—detected]
[Should I absorb the Radiant Silver Fragment to begin my journey to become a "Cataclysmic Druid"?]
[Note: Absorbing Radiant Silver Shards carries certain risks. Your level meets the minimum requirement for absorption, but you may still experience physical collapse. Recommended level: 16]