blogombal Page 71
Page 71
The black fungus tissue that had been frozen and stiffened by low temperatures gradually regained some of its flexibility and fluidity as the local temperature rose.
Although molecular thermal motion is still suppressed, it is no longer on the verge of stagnation; the viscosity of body fluids decreases, and the flow resistance of psionic energy within the carrier is also significantly reduced.
[The temperature isolation layer is effective. The core temperature of the carrier has recovered and stabilized in the range of -25°C to -30°C. Molecular thermal motion, fluid fluidity, and energy transfer efficiency have recovered to approximately 85% of normal levels. The hysteresis condition has been significantly alleviated. The risks of low-temperature embrittlement and active freezing have been temporarily eliminated.] The data reported by Yuan Shu clearly confirms the effectiveness of the equipment.
Zhang Su clearly felt that the control of the stand-in had returned to its previous smoothness and responsiveness.
Although air resistance was still high and the viscous feeling of the ice fog prevented movements from reaching the peak agility at room temperature, it was still flexible and stable enough to meet the needs of the upcoming exploration, getting rid of that anxious "slow motion" state.
"Alright, equipment working! Keep going, Yuan Shu, maintain maximum alert!" Zhang Su gave the order, his approval of the Pan Yan Workshop owner's professional recommendation growing stronger—it was worth the money!
Two black figures, completely shrouded in heavy professional prospecting equipment, like two impenetrable, mobile miniature fortresses, cautiously ventured once again into the churning, deathly still ice fog. The anti-slip treads of their miners' boots crunched on the glass-smooth ice, producing a distinctive "crunch" sound that mingled with the subtle sounds of ice crystals forming and the occasional cracking of the ice.
A faint blue light flickered in the depths of the thick fog, and a chilling sense of crisis permeated the deathly silence.
After traveling about another hundred meters, Yuan Shu's warning sounded again, this time with an even stronger sense of urgency:
[Warning! Abnormal life signals detected in a high-concentration ice fog area ahead! Quantity: 3…5…8…continuously increasing! The biosignals are highly synchronized with the energy fluctuations of the ice fog!]
[Warning: Targets have been locked onto our substitute carriers! They are moving at high speed through the fog, forming an encirclement!]
Zhang Su immediately stopped his stand-in act and focused intently. Even through the thick insulation and dense fog, he could vaguely "sense" those few malicious, cold, and slippery "gazes" in the surrounding mist.
"Yuan Shu, scan the target! Weakness analysis!" Zhang Su quickly gave the order.
[Scanning in progress... Target creature morphological characteristics: Humanoid silhouette, approximately 1.8 meters tall, composed of highly condensed ice crystals, frozen soil, and unknown negative energy (tentatively named 'Ice Mist Wraith'). The core energy source is the pervasive ice mist itself.]
[Weakness analysis search in progress... Search failed!]
[Conclusion: The target has no obvious conventional physical or energy weaknesses. Its existence is highly dependent on the surrounding ice fog. Physical attacks can temporarily break its form, but it can re-form within the ice fog within 3-7 seconds (resurrect) before the core energy source (ice fog) dissipates. The only way to completely eliminate it is to dispel or purify the ice fog in its area, cutting off its energy supply and resurrection medium.]
"Dispel the ghostly fog?" Zhang Su's heart sank. "Are you kidding me! Where am I supposed to find a skill that can dispel this ghostly fog over a large area? The only fire-related skill my two Stands have, 'Flame Star Flash,' is so small that it can't even light a damp piece of wood, let alone provide any light!"
Just as Zhang Su was considering whether to temporarily retreat and find another way, or force his way through (the price of which might be his substitute being exhausted and torn apart by these indestructible cockroaches), Yuan Shu's voice rang out again, carrying a calm deduction of the plan:
[Chief, conventional methods are ineffective in dispelling the fog. However, based on tactical analysis using available resources, a feasible solution exists: utilizing the 'Flaming Star' talisman in synergy with the extraordinary item 'Unquenchable Candlelight'.]
"A candle flame?" Zhang Su was taken aback and immediately took out the broken old brass oil lamp from the "void space". The pale flame, as small as a bean, burned quietly inside the glass dome, emitting a weak but constant warmth and soft light, which seemed especially precious in this icy hell.
[Basis for the deduction:]
【1. 'Unquenchable Flame' Trait: The flame has a special nature, possessing a weak calming effect and a low-level fear-dispelling effect (support). Its light itself has a weak purifying/interference effect on negative energy (passive).】
2. 'Flaming Star' Spell: Generates and manipulates flames (weak).
[3. Synergistic Possibility: The flame energy generated by 'Flaming Star' can be used as 'fuel' or 'catalyst' and injected into the 'Eternal Candle' itself. This is promising.]
Significantly increase the intensity and coverage of the candlelight (core objective). The intense light waves, containing a weak purifying property, are the nemesis of negative energy carriers (ice crystals, vengeful spirits) in the dense fog.
Enhanced photothermal effect: Strong light is accompanied by the release of more heat (although still limited), which can form a small area of high temperature in a localized area, accelerating the evaporation of ice fog (physical dissipation).
Energy Field Overlay: The energy of the two flames (Spellfire and Candlelight) is overlaid, and the resulting 'Light Energy Purification Field' is expected to significantly enhance the suppression/damage effect on the Ice Mist Wraith, potentially slowing down its resurrection speed or even causing continuous damage to the core.
[Expected Effect: Under synergistic effect, the candlelight can form a powerful purifying field with a radius of approximately 3-5 meters. Within this field, the concentration of ice mist will be significantly suppressed or even temporarily dissipated. The mobility and resurrection speed of ice mist vengeful spirits will be strongly inhibited, and those approaching the edge of the field will suffer continuous burns (at the energy level). This field can serve as a safe zone for our side and a means of attacking the enemy.]
[Risk: Coordinated operation requires precise control. Over-infusing talisman energy may cause candle flame instability or the 'Flaming Star' talisman to overload and malfunction temporarily. Furthermore, the intense light may attract the attention of unknown entities deeper within.]
Zhang Su's eyes lit up; Yuan Shu's deduction was like a beacon in a desperate situation.
While it can't dispel the fog over the entire area, it can create a safe "bubble" around you! And you can even use it to attack enemies!
"Great idea!" Zhang Su's spirits lifted. "Let's do it! Mr. K, hold 'The Unquenchable Candle'! Substitute Number One, prepare 'Flaming Star Flash,' target—the candle wick! On my command, keep the energy output at 30%... no, 20% for now! Gradually increase it!"
A small, pale flame flickered gently inside the broken glass shade of Mr. K's hand, which had been hidden in the shadow of his hat.
Stand Number One raised her right hand, her fingertips swirling with spiritual energy. A tiny, yet explosive, orange-red spark began to gather and leap at her fingertips, like a firefly about to break free of its restraints, its target aimed directly at the pale candle flame!
The icy mist surged silently around them, and the cold silhouettes appeared and disappeared in the mist, like sharks waiting for their chance to strike, slowly shrinking the encirclement.
Finally, they couldn't hold back any longer.
A translucent claw, composed of rapidly condensing ice crystals and negative energy, burst forth without warning from the blind spot of the thick fog to the right rear of Stand One, accompanied by a biting chill and a sharp whooshing sound!
The speed was extremely fast, and the target was straight for Stand Number One's back, which was completely unprepared!
Another equally swift, flatter, ice-blade-like attack silently sliced towards Mr. K's arm holding the candle from the left!
These icy vengeful spirits chose to launch a swift and deadly sneak attack at the crucial moment when the two clones were about to complete their coordination!
"Behind you! Watch out!" Genshu's warning rang out almost simultaneously with the attack!
A close call!
Zhang Su's nerves were already stretched to the limit! The moment the warning from Yuan Shu sounded, his fighting instincts and his precise control over his Stand were brought to their peak!
Counterattack! Defend!
Stand Number One didn't even have time to complete the injection of Flame Star energy, and didn't even have time to turn around!
Her only movement was—at the very moment the icy claws were about to pierce her heart, her body, as if defying the laws of physics, slid forward with an extreme, minute deviation!
puff!
The cold, sharp claws grazed the side of Stand One! The thick, insulated cloak was instantly torn open, leaving a long gash, and the inner cotton padding and special canvas were easily ripped apart! The cold touch and slight impact came through the tear!
Although he avoided a fatal wound, the terrifying penetrating power of this attack made Zhang Su's heart skip a beat!
If it weren't for superior equipment and perfect dodging, this attack would have severely damaged the substitute!
At the same time, Mr. K reacted just as quickly to the ice blade cutting from the left!
His right wrist, holding the lamp, suddenly sank and pulled inward, while his entire body spun rapidly to the right!
brush!
The sharp ice blade grazed almost the outside of Mr. K's left forearm and the glass cover of the oil lamp! The leather cuff was cut open, revealing the thick wool lining underneath, and the wool fibers were instantly severed!
The lampshade made a teeth-grinding "crackling" scraping sound, but fortunately it was extremely sturdy and did not break!
An opportunity to strike back!
Just as Stand Number One was making a desperate dodge and hadn't fully regained his footing, Mr. K spun sideways and adjusted his posture in that instant—
"Now! Inject!" Zhang Su thought to himself.
The Stand One's right hand, which had been interrupted by the dodge, was instantly raised and stabilized again!
The blazing line of fire that had been prepared at his fingertips, like a spring released from its compressed limit, pierced with unwavering determination into the tiny, pale flame of the "unceasing candlelight" with perfect precision!
Om-!
The brass oil lamp jolted violently!
The pale flame inside the lampshade, which had been docile and flickering, suddenly expanded and surged as if injected with violent fuel! An invisible energy wave suddenly spread out from the center of the oil lamp!
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle—!!"
The pale light instantly became blinding! Its size and brightness increased exponentially! Like a beast breaking free of its restraints, it instantly dispersed the thick icy fog within a five-meter radius!
This light is no longer just simple illumination; its faint spiritual calming and negative energy interference properties are amplified many times over by the flame energy of "Flaming Star," forming a blazing field of light energy with a purifying aura!
"Woohoo—!!!"
A piercing, distorted wail suddenly erupted from the edge of the area where the light burst forth!
The closest ice mist vengeful spirits, including the two that had just launched the sneak attack, were like burning paper encountering a gale when they came into contact with the sudden burst of intense light and the purifying energy contained within it!
Chi Chi Chi!
The ice crystals that make up the body immediately vaporized!
The negative energy hidden at the core fluctuated violently and collapsed under the scorching light!
Their blurry, humanoid outlines twisted and deformed wildly in the light, emitting a final scream filled with pain and terror, before completely disintegrating into wisps of white vapor, paler and colder than the surrounding ice mist, which were quickly dispersed by the light!
The other ice mist vengeful spirits, which were a little further away, were not directly enveloped by the light, but just touching the edge of the light field caused their bodies to sizzle and burn. Their movements instantly became stiff and sluggish, filled with pain and fear!
As if whipped mercilessly by an invisible lash, these cold, slippery monsters let out a chaotic and terrified hiss, abandoning their attack without hesitation, and swiftly disappeared into the thick fog further away, like the receding tide.
Only the violently fluctuating ice mist at the edges of the light remained as proof of their existence.
Within a five-meter radius, the icy fog was completely dispelled, and the thick layer of ice on the ground rapidly melted and evaporated under the sunlight, revealing the slippery rocks beneath.
The bone-chilling cold was replaced by a warm yet slightly oppressive energy field.
At the tear in the cloak on the side of Stand One, tiny ice crystals melted rapidly under the strong light, without any substantial damage.
Mr. K's sleeve also revealed a bit of wool lining through the tear.
"That was close! It worked!" Zhang Su felt relieved and controlled his substitute number one to stop the continuous injection of fire energy.
The blinding light slowly subsided, but the candlelight itself remained stable within a radius of nearly five meters, like a fortress of light suddenly illuminating a frozen hell.
Looking at the brass oil lamp burning steadily and shining brightly in Mr. K's hand, Zhang Su exclaimed, "I never imagined that this 'unextinguished candle flame' could have such a wonderful use! I almost got ambushed! I thought its greatest ability was just to make people sleepy!"
"Yes, Director." Yuan Shu's cool voice rang out, explaining, "While the energy essence of the 'Unceasing Candlelight' and 'Flaming Star' talismans is not entirely the same, they both belong to the categories of 'flame' and 'light,' possessing a fundamental homogeneity and compatibility. There is a 'resonance amplification' effect between extraordinary energies. When two energies of the same attribute or highly compatible synergistically act under specific conditions, they can break through the inherent upper limit of a single energy, producing a cumulative synergistic effect."
[Specifically, in this operation: You injected the flame energy generated by 'Flashing Flame,' possessing high temperature and destructive properties, as a highly efficient 'fuel' into the stable, enduring core flame of 'Unceasing Candlelight,' which also contains a slight purifying property. This was not a simple addition, but rather, using the stable energy structure of the candlelight as a 'base' and 'amplifier,' you directionally stimulated and significantly amplified the flame characteristics of 'Flashing Flame,' especially its intense light and high temperature. The final result was that the candlelight's originally weak 'light' and 'purifying' effect were forcibly amplified to an intensity sufficient to cause significant damage to the icy mist vengeful spirit entity that relies on negative energy environments and low temperatures. In short, you used Flame Star energy to replace this 'lamp' with a 'light bulb' with one that had a dramatically increased power, and concentrated its 'beam of light.']
"So it was 'adding fuel to the fire,' turning a small flame into a powerful weapon, complete with a 'purification' effect!" Zhang Su finally understood the principle. This not only repelled the enemy but also opened up new avenues for combining and applying extraordinary abilities. "I've learned something, Yuan Shu! I'll definitely try this combination technique more often in similar situations in the future..."
however--
"Meow—woof—!"
A bizarre, distorted shriek suddenly erupted from the depths of the icy misty region without warning!
The sound was sharp and piercing, with a creepy feeling that sent chills down your spine. At first glance, it sounded a bit like the howl of a feline in heat, but upon closer inspection, it was mixed with the scraping of metal, the cracking of ice, and the convulsive noises of some kind of creature in pain, forming an indescribable noise that pierced the soul!
at the same time!
call--!
A terrifying cold current, far exceeding any before, like an invisible, icy wave originating from the deepest abyss, instantly swept across the entire tunnel!
The edge of the five-meter radius of the candlelight field fluctuated and compressed violently!
The light dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye!
The ice fog that had just been dispersed launched a fierce counterattack, returning with a surge in concentration, reducing visibility to less than two meters!
On the ground, the newly melted, slippery rocks were instantly covered with a thick layer of solid ice that shimmered with a faint blue light! Even the surface of the professional thermal protective gear on the stand-in's body was instantly covered with a thick layer of white frost, emitting a piercing "crack" sound as it froze!
[Highest Level Warning!] Yuan Shu's voice instantly rose to an unprecedented level of urgency: [High-energy life form detected rapidly approaching! Location: Directly ahead, deep within the icy mist!]
[Energy Intensity Analysis: Approaching Sequence 9 Peak! Danger Level: Lethal!]
[Ambient temperature plummets! Current core area temperature: -100 degrees Celsius! Negative energy concentration of ice fog surges by 400%!]
[Chief, please immediately prepare for the highest level of combat readiness! The target possesses extremely strong control over cryogenic temperatures and the ability to assimilate into ice mist! A tremendous threat!]
Seeing this, Zhang Su cursed inwardly, "Good heavens! They beat up the little ones, and now the big boss has come!" The 'big brother' of the group of ice mist vengeful spirits was about to stand up for his underlings!