Arriving at the ruins, we encountered heavy smog and fog again!

"Whoosh." They crossed through stretch after stretch of uninhabited areas once again.

About forty minutes later, the group had already traveled over seven hundred kilometers.

City Lord Oran said, "Lord Cao Xing, we are almost there."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing immediately lowered his head and looked at the snow-covered land below.

This place was also a desolate, uninhabited area.

Apart from the endless snowfields and a few large frozen lakes, there was no sign of human activity anywhere.

"We're here? Where are the ruins?" Cao Xing asked, puzzled.

City Lord Oran explained, "Those ruins are also hidden underground."

"It's just that the entrance is quite special."

After saying this, he pointed below and said, "Lord Cao Xing, do you see those frozen lakes?"

Looking in the direction he pointed, Cao Xing indeed saw several massive frozen lakes, their surfaces covered by thick layers of ice, appearing like giant mirrors reflecting a faint light.

"You mean—those frozen lakes are the entrance to the ruins?" Cao Xing asked.

City Lord Oran nodded, "Yes."

"The entrance is usually at the bottom of the frozen lake, about three hundred meters deep."

"Only by diving to the very bottom and passing through a vortex portal can one truly enter the interior of the ruins."

"However, this step alone has stopped countless people."

"The lake water, which can instantly freeze a person solid, and some of the ferocious beasts hidden within the water, have claimed the lives of many adventurers."

After a pause, he continued, "This can be considered the first trial of the ruins."

"If one cannot dive to the depths of the water, they don't even have the qualifications to enter the ruins."

"Otherwise, the dangers inside the ruins are even more terrifying."

"Even the mechanical creatures that appear on the perimeter, and even those golems, can easily take the lives of intruders."

Cao Xing nodded in realization.

Nearby, Qinong listened and added, "Besides the dangers of the frozen lakes themselves, we also need to be careful of some unscrupulous adventurers."

"They might set traps at the bottom of the water or at the entrance to the ruins to harm those adventurers who want to enter."

Hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Cao Xing's eyes.

As for these guys, if they didn't come to provoke him, he wouldn't meddle in their affairs.

But if they dared to target him, then he wouldn't be polite.

Cao Xing continued, "Then now, let's just pick a frozen lake and enter the ruins."

A water depth of three hundred meters sounds terrifying, but with their strength, it was completely insignificant.

As he spoke, the Griffin King flapped its wings, carrying everyone toward the surface of one of the frozen lakes.

At this moment, looking down from high altitude, one could see huge pits appearing on the frozen lake.

The ice layer had already been broken through; it looked like quite a few adventurers had already entered.

Meanwhile.

Qinong produced a metallic spear out of thin air and said in a deep voice, "Lord Cao Xing, let me break through the lake water to avoid some unnecessary trouble."

Hearing this, Cao Xing was a bit puzzled.

But he still nodded and said, "Alright."

After receiving Cao Xing's permission, Qinong instantly raised the spear, gripping the shaft tightly.

In that instant, Qinong shed his usual peaceful fisherman persona, and an invisible aura erupted from his body!

His whole person seemed to have merged with the spear, filled with lethality.

The next moment, he shouted in a low voice, "Long Rainbow Pierces the Sun, go!"

As he spoke, the spear transformed into a red sun.

Like a sun falling from the sky, it shot toward the lake surface!

The moment it made contact with the lake surface, it triggered an earth-shattering explosion!

"Boom!"

Not only was the surface ice layer shattered, but even the surging lake water was parted by this terrifying impact!

In the center of the lake, a huge vortex appeared, and one could even see the sand and stones at the lake bottom.

At this moment, Cao Xing understood what Qinong meant by breaking through the lake water.

He had actually used this method to forcibly open a path.

This level of control over power was truly breathtaking!

Including City Lord Oran and Bai Zhi nearby, everyone looked at the old man in astonishment.

However, the path opened by Qinong's spear couldn't last long.

Seizing this moment, Cao Xing quickly said, "Old Wang, take us down!"

The next moment, the Griffin King flapped its wings violently.

"Roar!"

With a clear cry, it dove into the water, carrying everyone on its back!

"Splash! Splash!"

Because the lake water had been parted by the impact of Qinong's spear energy, the Griffin King's momentum was not hindered at all!

Coupled with its terrifying speed, they crossed the few hundred meters of water depth in an instant!

They reached the deep lake bottom in an instant.

They didn't even get a drop of water on their clothes.

Meanwhile, the surrounding lake water surged and churned, carrying a shocking chill.

It seemed about to close back up and completely submerge this area.

Cao Xing quickly said, "City Lord Oran, where is the location of the passage?"

Upon hearing this, Oran quickly scanned the surroundings.

Then he pointed in one direction and said quickly, "Over there."

Hearing this, everyone shifted their gazes over.

About a few dozen meters away, there was an area that was glowing faintly.

Looking closely, it seemed to be a circular portal, its surface glowing with blue light, rotating slowly.

Like a vortex appearing at the bottom of the water.

Cao Xing said helplessly, "It seems we still can't avoid getting wet, huh?"

"In such cold weather, this is quite a challenge."

However, this didn't affect them much.

Cao Xing quickly adjusted his mindset and ordered, "Let's go, we're rushing in."

As he spoke, the Griffin King let out another cry.

"Roar!"

It flapped its wings and charged into the icy lake water with everyone!

"Splash!"

The cold lake water instantly submerged their figures, and a bone-chilling cold rushed toward them.

But the group did not stop, instead charging toward the glowing vortex without hesitation.

The sound of churning water was in their ears, and waves of freezing air came toward them.

In the blink of an eye, they reached the front of the portal.

And Cao Xing also raised his guard slightly.

Because he remembered what Qinong had said—that near underwater portals like this, there might be traps set by other ill-intentioned guys.

To harm other adventurers who wanted to enter the ruins.

However, after observing for a while, he didn't find anything unusual.

It seemed their luck was quite good.

This entrance had no problems.

The next moment, the Griffin King dove into the vortex with everyone.

In an instant, everyone's vision went black.

It was as if they had suddenly drilled from the cold lake bottom into a tunnel.

It was pitch black all around, and one could only faintly see glowing spheres constantly rotating.

The distance of this teleportation tunnel was extremely short.

Before Cao Xing could look closely, everyone's vision went black again.

Meanwhile, a system notification appeared.

[You have discovered a special area: Lost Royal City]

[Exploration EXP + 450,000, Reputation + 1,500]

When they opened their eyes again, a strange scene appeared before them.

Before them appeared an endless wasteland!

Compared to the vast scene covered by white snow on the surface, this place appeared even more desolate and bleak.

On the dark yellow ground, one could faintly see piles of black metal fragments and some building ruins. The air was permeated with an ancient and heavy atmosphere, as if time had stopped here for thousands of years!

Looking around, one could see a layer of thick fog shrouding the surroundings.

The deeper one went, the thicker the fog became, like an invisible barrier blocking outside prying eyes.

In the fog, one could vaguely see the silhouettes of ancient buildings standing quietly on this wasteland.

The architectural style here was extremely unique; compared to the domed and spired buildings common in other ancient cities in this world, these buildings looked angular.

Like geometric shapes.

The black walls, made of unknown material, had surfaces smooth as mirrors, reflecting faint light.

Even after so many years, these buildings still stood tall.

"After ten years, I've returned to this place again—"

Qinong looked at the scene around him, a look of emotion appearing in his eyes.

Beside him, City Lord Oran's face also showed some excitement.

Cao Xing scanned the surroundings, confirmed that everyone was present, and said quickly, "Everyone, deal with your soaked clothes first, so you don't get hypothermia later."

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly looked at their own bodies.

The soaked clothes clung to their bodies, and waves of cold kept washing over them, rapidly sapping their body heat.

However, everyone Cao Xing had brought this time was at least a Level 70 powerhouse.

A surge of aura erupted from their bodies, and the energy within them surged, quickly evaporating the water from their clothes.

They simply took care of their soaked clothes.

At this moment, Elisa seemed to have discovered something novel; she excitedly pointed ahead and said, "Look, look! There are so many people there, and so many tents!"

Hearing this, everyone looked ahead.

About five hundred meters away, there was a wide open space, with simple tents set up all over it.

Beside the tents, many campfires were burning, making it look like a large gathering place.

Through the firelight, one could see many figures in that camp.

Those were adventurers who had entered this ruin ahead of time.

Some were sitting on the ground, while others were resting.

Among them, some adventurers had even set up stalls right there on the spot.

Cao Xing looked at City Lord Oran beside him. "What is this?"

City Lord Oran explained, "This is the gathering place for us outsiders, and it is also one of the few safe zones in this ruin."

"Because it is close to the entrance, that area will not be swallowed by the fog."

"Many adventurers rest there or conduct trades."

"You can also look for suitable teammates there to form an expedition team."

"Because it is located in the inner part of the ruins, sometimes some good things really do appear."

Cao Xing nodded in realization.

Then, with a wave of his hand, he released all of his dozens of powerful subordinates from the necromancers bag.

Dozens of gray figures suddenly appeared in front of everyone.

The moment they appeared, they began to quickly exit their necromantic state, and their skin also began to return to normal.

The tall Braum Ironwall and the Minotaur Chieftain.

The enchanting White Snake Ilena and Green Snake Lana.

The Mammoth Dabai, who was like a small hill, and the Snowfield Storm Bear Volibear—one figure after another appeared!

Because they had just switched back from their necromantic state, they couldn't quite control the aura on their bodies yet.

The auras of dozens of powerhouses converged and spread out like a tide.

Even the adventurers in that large camp several hundred meters away sensed this aura.

However, that astonishing sense of oppression also instantly made their faces turn pale!

It was as if a group of ferocious beasts had appeared ahead!

Fortunately, after just a few seconds, these powerhouses restrained their auras.

Andrew, Bo Jie, Sun Chaser, and the others bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Lord."

The others also said one after another, "Greetings, Lord."

Cao Xing nodded slightly. "Everyone, we have now arrived within that ancient ruin."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked around.

Just like Cao Xing and the others, looks of surprise appeared in their eyes as well.

They felt very curious about the peculiar scenery within this ancient ruin.

Tong Chuchu stood on the shoulder of the Earth Dragon Mecha and exclaimed softly, "Wow—it's so big here!"

"And the appearance of these buildings looks so peculiar!"

Magic Dragon Bingbing also flapped the small wings on its back, flying in mid-air and looking around curiously.

At this moment, the big guy Braum seemed to have discovered something.

He pointed ahead and said, "Lord, is there a wall over there?"

Hearing this, everyone looked in the direction he was pointing.

Passing through layers of thick fog, at the edge of their vision, they could see a black wall.

This wall was thousands of meters high, as if shielding everything.

Cao Xing seemed to realize something and asked doubtfully, "Is that the Legendary Inner City behind that wall?"

City Lord Oran nodded slightly. "Yes, currently the entire Inner City is shrouded by this kind of fog, and we cannot get close."

"This also means that the time for the Inner City to open has not yet arrived."

"We can only enter once the fog clears."

Cao Xing frowned and continued to ask, "You mentioned something about a safe zone earlier, that it wouldn't be swallowed by the fog."

"And also that the Inner City is shrouded in fog."

"Are there any dangers inside these fogs?"

Hearing this question, City Lord Oran nodded and said, "That's right. High-level Wraiths will appear in this kind of fog. They will suddenly crawl out from inside and drag those adventurers into the fog."

"Wraiths?" Cao Xing felt a bit confused again.

"Yes."

City Lord Oran replied, "The Wraiths in this fog are very powerful; most of them are around Tier 5 to Tier 9."

"It is said that in the Inner City area, there are even powerful Wraiths above Tier 10!"

"They are different from the undead in the outside world. Those undead still retain some consciousness and can communicate simply."

"But the Wraiths here are purely evil creatures. They only have a desire to kill in their hearts and will attack any living being they see."

"They are elusive in the fog and launch attacks on adventurers from time to time."

"However, fortunately, these Wraiths can only leave the fog within a certain range. As long as you stay away from that fog, you basically won't be attacked."

Beside them, Qinong took over the conversation. "But these Wraiths are only one type of danger in the ruins."

"The real danger is the fog itself."

"This fog doesn't look harmful, but once you enter it, you will be completely lost within it."

"Even Legendary-level powerhouses cannot escape this fate."

Speaking of this, Qinong said with a serious expression, "According to the speculations of some powerhouses, the power in this kind of fog is similar to the Sinking Mist Disaster."

Hearing 'Sinking Mist Disaster', Cao Xing raised an eyebrow.

As the disaster he had experienced a few months ago, he could say that he had a deep impression of it.

Under the shroud of that kind of fog, the entire continent seemed to have fallen into darkness, and even Legendary-level powerhouses could not walk within it.

Furthermore, because the creatures in the fog wanted to take Elisa away, he had prepared to take people there to cause a huge scene.

As it turned out, the Old Witch appeared later and helped him bring Elisa back.

This also made Cao Xing have a few more points of wariness and caution towards this kind of heavy fog.

City Lord Oran also nodded and said, "Mr. Qinong is right."

"It's not just that Inner City, but also these outer areas. If you see areas where the shadow fog is relatively thick…"

"…try to keep your distance."

"Otherwise, if you are accidentally swallowed by the fog, even if you only enter for a moment, you might be completely lost inside."

"Besides that, we also need to be careful of those adventurers."

Speaking of this, his gaze looked towards the camp ahead. "In this ruin, some guys will deliberately use this kind of fog to trap and kill some newcomers from the outside."

Cao Xing frowned slightly. Looking at the land covered in fog before him, he also realized that this Lost Royal City was not simple.

It contained many dangers!

He continued to ask, "The Inner City has not reached its opening time yet, so can we only move around in the periphery for now?"

City Lord Oran nodded and said, "Yes, but we need to pay attention to the time and find a safe zone before midnight."

"What is a safe zone?" Cao Xing asked again, confused.

Qinong, who was beside him, took over and explained, "It's still because of that strange fog. At a certain time, the fog in the Inner City will erupt and spread."

"Until it completely covers the periphery and the Inner City area of the entire Lost Royal City."

"Every night from midnight to six in the morning is the time when the fog covers everything."

"At that time, there are only a few safe areas in the entire ruin that will not be eroded by this fog."

"These places include the adventurer camp ahead, as well as some buildings in the ruins."

Qinong looked at Cao Xing and continued, "So, before the fog completely erupts, we only have two choices: either return here to the entrance, which is the adventurer camp ahead."

"Or find a building inside to hide in."

Cao Xing nodded in realization, his tone carrying a trace of emotion. "There are really quite a lot of rules in here."

City Lord Oran sighed. "Yes, this is experience gained after who knows how many people died."

"Behind every rule, there may be the cost of countless lives—"