Chapter 176: Immortal Thunder, Everyone Leveling Up!

Cao Xing wanted to build his own Ascalon army.

Although his current soldiers were still far behind the undead army led by Duke Baradin, he possessed the [Eternal Power] talent.

In the near future, he would be able to build an army with a scale no smaller than the undead army, and one that was even more ferocious!

Meanwhile, the Ascalon soldiers had all been upgraded to Tier 2.

Feeling the overflowing power within their bodies, everyone had a look of surprise and joy on their faces.

Cao Xing casually glanced at the attributes of one of the Ascalon soldiers.

[Ascalon Soldier: Yaskin]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 10 (0/10000)]

[HP: 2589/2589]

[Attack: 247 ~ 259 (Aurora Blessing +326 Attack)]

[Armor: 58 ~ 65]

[Attributes: Strength 104, Agility 97, Spirit 95, Constitution 107]

[Skills: Basic Swordsmanship Mastery, Moonlight Slash.]

[Legion Skill: Fearless Charge]

[Talent: None]

[Bond: Ascalon Army (100-person skill activated)]

[Status: Courage Blessing, Queens Will, tree of life Blessing]

[Hunger: 78]

[Loyalty: 89]

…

"Not bad. Because of Muxue's Courage Blessing, any random soldier now has five or six hundred attack power."

He randomly selected three Ascalon soldiers with slightly stronger base attributes and said: "I am going to cast a blessing on you now."

"Then, you must go to the training camp to complete elite training."

"From now on, you three will serve as squad leaders in the Ascalon army and lead the others in battle."

The three selected Ascalon soldiers were suddenly struck by the order from Cao Xing, as if hit by a huge surprise!

A look of ecstasy appeared in their eyes, and they began to tremble with excitement!

"Thank you for your recognition, Lord!"

"We will defend your glory with our lives!"

For them, becoming stronger was certainly exciting, but gaining Cao Xing's recognition made them even happier.

It was evident from the envious gazes of the other Ascalon soldiers that they also desperately wanted Cao Xing's recognition.

The next moment, Cao Xing heard three notifications of loyalty increases in his ears.

The loyalty of the three he selected had all increased to over 93!

Then, after refreshing their statuses, Cao Xing sent them into the training camp.

As for the remaining Ascalon soldiers, Cao Xing also sent them out to fight the Ice Nest Monsters.

Originally, he wanted to continue refreshing statuses for these soldiers, but Cao Xing glanced at his own level.

[Level 19 78%]

He only needed another 22,000 experience points to reach level 20.

Beside him, Liu Muxue had already caught up in levels due to the group buffs.

She was now at 89% of level 19.

Both of them could reach level 20 this morning and advance to Tier 3 creatures.

At that point, their attributes would skyrocket, and refreshing statuses would be much more powerful.

Consequently, all the Ascalon soldiers left the territory again to fight the Ice Nest Monsters outside.

…

Meanwhile, Cao Xing took Liu Muxue to the city wall.

"Boom!!"

A meteor streaked across the sky, and the familiar vibration sound appeared again.

Even though it was snowing outside, the Ice Nest descended near the territories of all Survivors regardless of the wind and snow.

Cao Xing saw that in the snowy field in the distance, an Ice Nest larger than the ones from the previous days descended violently.

The thick snow was directly smashed into a giant crater.

Then, a group of Ice Nest Monsters, about a meter tall and with massive bodies, crawled out from inside.

Now, the levels of the monsters appearing in the Ice Nest were gradually increasing, mostly between level 8 and 10.

Within one Ice Nest, 500 Ice Nest Monsters could bring Cao Xing about 22,000 experience, just enough for him to reach level 20.

At this time, Elisa, upon seeing the Ice Nest descend, had already rushed out with her archer squad.

This little girl had a high passion for battle.

Tong Chuchu also rushed out to participate in the battle with a white shadow.

Boom! Boom!

The white shadow ran with astonishing momentum, its vigorous figure moving like flying in the snow, and blue electric sparks flickering on its body from time to time!

It was Volibear, who had reached level 9 after growth acceleration.

Liu Muxue's small mouth opened slightly, and she said in surprise: "Oh my! Is that Little Voli?"

"How did it get so big after just one night!"

Cao Xing smiled and nodded, explaining the effect of the Human-Faced Tree Heart to Liu Muxue.

Liu Muxue's eyes dawned with realization, and she watched the battle outside the territory with Cao Xing, excited.

At this moment, Volibear soon made contact with a group of Ice Nest Monsters.

It stood on its hind legs and let out a roar.

"Roar!"

The next moment, Volibear's claws swept out violently, accompanied by blue electric currents.

Swish! Swish!

[- 144]

[- 147]

Because it didn't receive Liu Muxue's Courage Blessing or Aurora Blessing, Volibear's damage wasn't as exaggerated as imagined.

However, as a level 9 elite monster, this damage was already very high.

Furthermore, following its [Rapid Dash], it directly tackled an Ice Nest Monster and began to bite crazily.

"Roar! Roar!"

Volibear's ferocious roar came.

[- 135]

[- 138]

[- 129]

That Ice Nest Monster was pinned to the ground by it, unable to get up.

Its health of just over 800 was wiped out by Volibear in a few hits.

Then, it turned into a pile of ice slag and debris, falling under Volibear.

[Your pet: Volibear killed Ice Nest Monster lv9, obtained experience: 90]

[Combatants obtained experience: 45]

At this moment, although this big white bear was still in the growth stage, its ferocious combat power had already begun to show its edge.

Meanwhile, as Volibear killed this Ice Nest Monster, three or four other monsters pounced on it simultaneously.

Seeing this scene, Volibear didn't panic in the slightest.

It stood on its hind legs, raised its sharp claws, and a terrifying lightning power gathered between its paws.

"Zzz… Zzz…"

The sound of electric current rang out.

The next moment, a bolt of lightning struck from the sky.

Crack!

The lightning fell directly on the spot, covering all enemies in a seven or eight-meter radius!

Instantly, dense damage numbers appeared.

[- 247]

[- 238]

[- 246]

Not only that, Volibear, Tong Chuchu, and the nearby robots all gained a layer of blue lightning shield.

Then, Cao Xing heard the system prompt.

[Your pet Volibear activated [Thunder Strike Earth] skill, adding a shield to friendly units. Talent [Eternal Power] is in effect, this shield has become a permanent status.]

(Note: After the shield is broken, there will be a 90-second refresh time.)

…

Cao Xing was stunned, then a smile appeared on his face.

Sure enough, this lightning shield was like the Divine Shield; even if destroyed, it could regenerate after a while.

This was the terror of [Eternal Power]; as long as it was a continuous buff status, it could almost always be blessed.

The battle below had no suspense at all; those Ice Nest Monsters could be blown up by Tong Chuchu with a single shot.

A moment later, Cao Xing hadn't leveled up yet, but a white light rose from Volibear's side first.

[Your pet: Volibear has reached level 10.]

Seeing the system prompt, joy appeared on Cao Xing's face.

"Very good, Voli has finally reached level 10. Next, I can use the Heart of Strength on it to let it break through to Tier 2."

"And then use the Boss Soul!"

He waved at Tong Chuchu in the distance.

Tong Chuchu understood Cao Xing's gesture and quickly ran back with the big white bear.

"Big Brother, Volibear has reached level 10!"

"Hmm, I know, well done Little Chuchu."

After speaking, Cao Xing gave all four Mechanic skill books in his backpack to Tong Chuchu.

Looking at the skill books in her arms, the little girl was somewhat flattered.

She tentatively asked: "Big… Big Brother… are these all for me?"

"Yes."

Cao Xing continued: "Learn them quickly, Little Chuchu, get stronger fast, and I will take you out to fight with me later."

Cao Xing indeed planned to take Tong Chuchu out later.

A Mechanic's combat power was still very strong, especially in a territory like Cao Xing's that was not lacking in resources; the Mechanics cultivated were even terrifyingly strong!

As for the loyalty issue of the Survivor, Cao Xing naturally didn't have to worry about that.

Without his resources and the [Eternal Power] talent, no matter how strong the Mechanic was, they couldn't stir up much trouble.

Hearing that last sentence, a look of surprise appeared in the little girl's eyes!

She nodded like a chicken pecking at rice and said: "Mm-hmm! I will work hard to become stronger, and then go out to fight with Big Brother!"

After speaking, she learned all four skill books and began to absorb the memories within them.

As for Cao Xing, he opened the Dragon Shop, spent 1000 Ice Dragon Mark, and exchanged for 1 Basic Heart of Strength.

He then came to Volibear's side and used it directly on this white bear.

Pure power flowed into Volibear's body.

Cao Xing could feel Volibear's aura beginning to skyrocket crazily!

"Roar! Roar!"

Volibear kept letting out low roars.

Before long, a system prompt appeared.

[Your pet: Volibear has completed advancement, becoming a Tier 2 creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

"Because you helped Volibear improve his strength, his loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 93"

…

A look of joy appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

After the breakthrough was complete, the white bear also seemed very happy, constantly rubbing its head against Cao Xing's shoulder.

Cao Xing stroked its soft fur and said, "Little Voli, next, I am going to make you evolve into a Leader-tier creature."

After saying this, Cao Xing took out an [Ice Crystal Human-Face Tree Elder Soul].

Previously, in the Wild Boar Tribe, Cao Xing had failed with one Leader-tier and one Boss-tier soul consecutively.

This time, he didn't believe he would fail again.

Thus, Cao Xing directly pressed the soul into Volibear's body.

The big white bear's body stiffened instantly.

Under the watchful eyes of Cao Xing and the others, the power of lightning on Volibear's body began to erupt uncontrollably.

"Zzz… Zzz…"

Blue electrical currents raged around Volibear's body.

So much so that Cao Xing had to retreat a few meters.

A moment later, Volibear suddenly opened its eyes, and a more powerful surge of lightning energy shot from its body into the high sky!

Boom!

A thunderous roar sounded.

The huge commotion even attracted the attention of Juliette, who was planting Moses Grass.

At the same time, a system notification appeared.

"Your pet: Volibear has successfully advanced to a Tier 2 Leader-tier creature. Learned new skill: Thunderous Descent"

"Thunderous Descent: Volibear ignites the lightning power within its body, leaping 5~100 meters forward. Upon landing, it deals 274% Lightning-attribute damage to all enemies within a 30-meter radius, causing them to fall into a Paralyzed state for 0.5~5 seconds. Furthermore, for the next 10 seconds, all of Volibear's attacks deal an additional 100% Lightning-attribute damage. Cooldown: 5 minutes"

…

Seeing the attributes of this skill, Cao Xing's pupils constricted instantly.

"Damn! That's fierce!"

What does leaping 100 meters directly even mean?

If Cao Xing were at the same level, he would be caught by Volibear almost instantly.

Not only that, this skill also has a massive 30-meter area-of-effect attack, and a damage coefficient of nearly three times!

Coupled with the subsequent extra Lightning-attribute damage, if it could receive the bonus from [Eternal Power]…

Volibear would essentially have all its attacks deal double damage!

This skill is just too fierce!

"Good, good, good! As expected of the Undying Storm, too strong!"

Cao Xing quickly scanned Volibear's post-advancement attributes.

"Cao Xing's pet: Volibear"

"Race: Beast"

"Level: 10, 0/9000 (Tier 2 Leader-tier creature)"

"Health Points: 6316/6316"

"Attack Power: 591~608"

"Attributes: Strength 236, Agility 217, Spirit 209, Constitution 224"

"Skills: Swift Rush, Lightning Claws, Thunderous Earth, Thunderous Descent"

"Talent ①: Cold Resistance"

"Talent ②: Lightning Body"

"Talent ③: Behemoth"

"Status: Ice Armor, Ice Healing Art, Pale Tree Blessing"

"Satiety: 87"

"Loyalty: 93"

…

Powerful attributes!

Just after the breakthrough, it already has over six thousand Health and nearly six hundred Attack!

This is the advantage of beasts.

Although they cannot wear various equipment to boost their attributes.

But relying on their powerful constitutions, they are enough to contend with the various major races of this world.

At this moment, Volibear stood on its hind legs and let out a deafening roar.

"Roar!!!"

It could feel the overflowing lightning power within its body, making it unable to help but shout aloud!

Then, a system notification appeared.

"Because you helped your pet: Volibear improve its strength, its loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 98"

Cao Xing praised, "This loyalty really increases fast!"

However, this is also related to him raising it from a young age.

Just upon entering its growth phase, Volibear already had 90 loyalty.

Now, it's just short of the last 2 points of loyalty to reach 100.

However, 2 points of loyalty is no problem at all for Cao Xing.

He took two [Special Pet Rations (Green)] directly from his backpack.

Sure enough, after Volibear saw the small meatballs in Cao Xing's hand, the ferocity on its face vanished instantly.

Turning into the appearance of an obedient puppy.

Lying on the ground, looking longingly at Cao Xing.

Cao Xing smiled and tossed both pet rations to Volibear.

And the big white bear swallowed them in one gulp.

"Your pet: Volibear has consumed the Special Pet Ration. Loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 100"

(Loyalty is full. Mount function has been enabled.)

…

Seeing the system notification, Cao Xing nodded with satisfaction.

"Not bad, not bad."

"Now Volibear's loyalty is full too."

Then, Cao Xing and Liu Muxue casually applied a few status skills to it, and let Chuchu take Volibear down to fight.

Next, it was time to wait slowly.

Waiting for his level to reach 20, and then complete the Tier 3 advancement!

Time passed slowly.

As all 500 Ice Nest Monsters in this Ice Nest were cleared, Elisa below had also finished the battle.

At the same time, a white light appeared on both Cao Xing and Liu Muxue one after another.

Cao Xing said excitedly, "Very good, finally reached level 20!"

Then, Cao Xing took out two fist-sized, bright red crystals from his backpack.

This is the Intermediate Heart of Strength, which can allow them to advance directly.

"Good thing I saved two for myself yesterday."

"This way, Liu Muxue and my levels won't get stuck."

However, what gave Cao Xing a headache was that although their levels wouldn't get stuck.

But Braum and Hilda would also reach level 20 soon.

Cao Xing hadn't prepared their Intermediate Heart of Strength yet.

After all, it was snowing heavily now, and there was no way to go too far.

And the Dragon Shop could only exchange for Primary Heart of Strength.

Cao Xing pondered for a moment, then opened the Hunter map in his backpack.

"If worst comes to worst, I can only continue to find Hunter camps to target."

"If I kill a few more Black-Robed Priests, I should be able to drop a few Intermediate Heart of Strength."

For Cao Xing, these Hunter camps were just resource points.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing directly gave the Intermediate Heart of Strength to Liu Muxue.

Then the two of them proceeded to break through together.

"Crack!"

As the Heart of Strength was crushed, a powerful force surged into Cao Xing's body.

He could feel his strength, constitution, and reaction ability all beginning to surge like never before!

Hearing, vision, and even the sense of smell became clearer.

Including Liu Muxue beside him, her already tall figure actually grew another two or three centimeters at this moment.

Her stunning facial features bore a cold expression, and coupled with her holding a shield and iron sword, she gave off the feeling of a Valkyrie.

The transformation from Tier 2 to Tier 3 was also very fast, completed in a minute or two.

The next moment, two system notifications appeared.

"Congratulations on a successful advancement! You have officially become a Tier 3 Frost Mage, base attributes increased by 100%"

"Your subordinate lord: Liu Muxue has successfully advanced and has become a Tier 3 Aurora Knight, base attributes increased by 100%"

…

The two looked at each other, both seeing the joy in each other's eyes.

At the current stage, when most Survivors were at level 6~9, and a small portion of Survivors had just advanced to Tier 2.

They had already completed the Tier 3 advancement!

This lead in progress was simply an overwhelming crush!

"This feeling of transformation is really great!"

Cao Xing thought with satisfaction.

Then, he equipped the [Staff of Dawn Light].

Spirit attribute and constitution grew another chunk!

He glanced at his own attributes.

"Name: Cao Xing"

"Race: Blue Star Human"

"Level: 20, 0/100000 (Tier 3 Frost Mage)"

"Detailed Attributes: Click to view"