Chapter 221: Blood and Holy Light, Everyone Levels Up!

Renice, as the fourth creature recruited by Cao Xing, could be considered a veteran employee.

She was also a loyal existence.

Therefore, in order, Cao Xing decided to give this soul to her.

"Take this soul, I wish you a successful breakthrough."

Renice took it with a face full of gratitude.

When outside, she was basically unsmiling; even after a battle ended, she remained extremely vigilant.

However, now, as she received the Leader-grade soul from Cao Xing's hand.

A brilliant smile appeared on this woman's face.

In this moment, it was like a flower blooming in the snow, emitting a dazzling light.

Even the surrounding dark and cold environment seemed to regain its color with her smile.

It even made Cao Xing stare blankly for a moment.

"Thank you… Lord."

"Ahem!"

Cao Xing coughed twice, quickly averted his gaze, and said, "It's nothing, use it to start your breakthrough."

"Yes, Lord!"

After speaking, Renice pressed the Leader-grade soul into her body.

Now, all three had entered a state of transformation.

And Cao Xing still had one Chieftain-grade and three Elite-grade souls in his hand.

He glanced at everyone on the field.

Only the four newly recruited Nightmare Archers could use them.

Thus, he said, "Mengma, Menglita, Mengna… come here."

Upon receiving Cao Xing's order, four women with slender bodies wrapped in vines walked over simultaneously.

Cao Xing didn't say much and directly distributed the four souls.

The four stared blankly at the souls in their hands, seemingly not knowing what to say.

"Lord… this…"

Cao Xing waved his hand and said, "I said before, you will be rewarded only if you make contributions."

"In the battle just now, you performed well and followed orders, so these souls are bestowed upon you."

Hearing this.

The four Nightmare Archers looked at each other.

Then, they simultaneously extended their right hands, placed them on their brows, and prayed.

"May you have a good dream, this generous Lord…"

[Due to your generous gift, your territory member: Mengma's loyalty has increased, current loyalty: 72]

[Due to your generous gift, your territory member: Mengna's loyalty has increased, current loyalty: 69]

[Due to your…]

The loyalty of the four newcomers all reached above 65.

At this level of loyalty, they basically wouldn't rebel.

A smile appeared at the corner of Cao Xing's mouth.

Then, he fed two [Chieftain-grade Life Tree Hearts] to Dabai and Volibear.

So many people had entered a state of transformation.

Next was to wait quietly.

First, it was the Holy Priest and Blood Spider Queen who used the Heart of Strength earliest.

A strong holy aura suddenly erupted from Isabelle.

"Hum!"

Intense holy light burst forth, instantly illuminating the gloomy Witch Forest as if it were extremely bright.

Meanwhile, Hilda was not to be outdone.

A strong aura of blood rose from her body!

In an instant, this Witch Forest covered in ice and snow appeared with two different colors.

One side was holy golden yellow.

The other side was bloody red.

Holy Light and Blood vied with each other!

[Your territory member: Isabelle Gospel has successfully broken through, becoming a Tier 4 Leader-grade creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

[Your territory member: Hilda Bloodkiss has successfully broken through, becoming a Tier 4 Leader-grade creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

Seeing the system prompt, Cao Xing was overjoyed, "Good, good, good, both of them actually succeeded!"

At this moment, the two women who completed the transformation restrained the aura on their bodies.

Like two stunning beauties in the world, they walked towards Cao Xing gracefully.

And Cao Xing also quickly glanced at their attributes.

[Holy Priest: Isabelle Gospel]

[Race: Human]

[Level: Level 30 0/300000 (Tier 4 Leader-grade creature)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

[Blood Spider Queen: Hilda Bloodkiss]

[Race: Blood Spider]

[Level: Level 30 0/300000 (Tier 4 Leader-grade creature)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

"Not bad, both have over 3000 attack power, plus Blessing of Courage, they can easily break 4000."

"And compared to that, Hilda's attributes are even more comprehensive than Isabelle's."

Cao Xing thought happily.

The two women came to his side, and with smiles on their faces, said: "Lord, I have succeeded."

Cao Xing nodded and encouraged them: "Not bad, you are both great, keep working hard, and I will continue to help you improve in the future."

Hearing Cao Xing's promise, bright light flashed in the two women's beautiful pupils.

"Thank you, respected Lord."

Isabelle curtsied gracefully, her demeanor extremely dignified.

At the same time, good news appeared again.

At this moment, Renice, who was in a closed-eye state, suddenly opened her eyes.

Like two sharp arrows, they gave a stinging sensation.

"Hum!"

An equally powerful force erupted from Renice's body!

[Your territory member: Renice Hawkeye has successfully transformed, becoming a Tier 3 Leader-grade creature, base attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Heart of the Hunt]

[Heart of the Hunt: After activating, increases your critical hit rate by 50%, hit rate by 50%, and for every 10 arrows shot, the next attack will cause a blast effect, dealing 200% damage to enemies within 5 meters. Skill duration 120 seconds, cooldown 5 minutes]

(Note: This skill places a heavy burden on the user after activation; when the duration ends, the user will fall into a 100-second weakness state, attack speed reduced by 80%, attack power reduced by 30%…)

Seeing the system prompt.

Cao Xing's pupils shrank instantly.

"Good guy! This [Heart of the Hunt] actually directly increases critical hit rate and hit rate by 50%, it's a bit too powerful!"

"And the most critical point is that this is a state skill, which means it likely can receive the bonus of Eternal Power!"

"Just like the skill of that group of Dragon Blood Warriors, Dragon Blood Extraction, it has no side effects."

He couldn't wait to check Renice's attributes after the breakthrough.

[Ascalon Archer: Renice Hawkeye]

[Race: Human]

[Level: Level 30 0/300000 (Tier 3 Leader-grade creature)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

"Good, good, good! It actually has 53% base critical hit rate!"

Coupled with the 50% critical hit rate bonus from [Eye of the Hunt].

This means that Renice's subsequent attacks will all be critical hits!

Combined with that terrifying attack speed, Renice's damage will undergo a qualitative change.

Once she breaks through to Tier 4.

Maybe she can leap up and compete with Sarah and Andrew for the throne of the number one damage dealer!

Just the improvement of these few people made Cao Xing feel the trip was worthwhile.

Not to mention, he also decomposed a large number of Man-eating Flower corpses on the road, obtaining many precious materials.

Cao Xing exclaimed, "Renice, congratulations."

"Now, use your new skill and let me see."

Hearing this, Renice also had a gentle smile on her face, then nodded slightly.

The next moment, a red energy burst from her body.

It was like streaks of red lightning, giving people a feeling that they could not get close.

[Your territory member: Renice Hawkeye used the skill [Heart of the Hunt], affected by the talent [Eternal Power], this skill has become a permanent state]

(Note: In the permanent state, you can exit and enter the [Heart of the Hunt] state at any time.)

Very good!

Just as Cao Xing expected, this skill also became permanent.

Now, only those few Nightmare Archers on the field had not broken through.

And Cao Xing was also patiently waiting.

System prompt appeared.

[Your territory member: Meng Luosi has successfully advanced to a Tier 3 Elite-grade creature, base attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Summon Nightmare Hound]

[Your territory member: Mengma has successfully transformed into a Tier 3 Chieftain-grade creature, base attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Nightmare Clone]

[Nightmare Clone: Create two clones in place that inherit 50% of your own attributes and imitate the body's aura to assist in battle. Clones last 120 seconds, cooldown: 5 minutes]

Seeing the attributes of this new skill, Cao Xing exclaimed again.

"Not bad, this clone skill combined with the Elite skill: [Summon Nightmare Hound], is equivalent to having four more combat units at once."

"When the number of Elite-grade Nightmare Archers under my command increases, I can rely on numbers to crush enemies to death."

Cao Xing smiled.

Two of the four archers broke through successfully, and two failed; this rate is still pretty good.

Finally, there were Dabai and Volibear.

After they ate the Chieftain-grade Life Tree Heart, they also gained a 6% increase in health points.

Along the way.

Almost everyone had obtained an improvement.

Allowing Cao Xing's strength to skyrocket.

Everyone had an excited look on their faces.

Jonard and Josent, who hadn't received an improvement yet, were not anxious at all.

Because they believed that the Lord would not forget them.

Thus, Cao Xing continued to take people to explore the forest.

After advancing for about three or four kilometers.

Cao Xing stopped in his tracks again, for he saw a familiar figure appear ahead.

It had scales with a black luster all over its body and was dozens of meters long.

It's that black snake!

At this moment, it was coiled around a tree, seemingly resting with its eyes closed, or perhaps waiting for prey.

Its massive size immediately grabbed the attention of everyone present.

"To think we'd run into this snake again."

Cao Xing's heart stirred slightly, and his gaze instantly locked onto it.

At the same time, the giant snake noticed Cao Xing and his group.

Its long, narrow snake eyes constricted instantly, and bursts of black energy suddenly erupted from its body.

"Prepare for battle!"

At Cao Xing's command, everyone entered combat mode once more.

At this moment, the black snake slid directly off the tree and activated its [Dark Body] skill, its entire body erupting with waves of terrifying black energy!

Just when everyone thought the black snake was about to charge at them, it turned its head without hesitation and bolted towards the depths of the jungle…

Like a speeding train, it ran…

It ran with such decisiveness, without a hint of hesitation.

This scene left even Cao Xing stunned.

"Holy crap, why did it just run away?"

"Weren't we told this guy had been eroded by dark energy and lost its mind?"

Cao Xing had even prepared himself for a fierce battle with this black snake!

At this moment, Cao Xing suddenly snapped back to reality.

"Let's chase!"

From their previous encounter, he had already set his sights on the meat of this black snake.

It had been interrupted by the Church of Light before, but now, Cao Xing wouldn't let it get away so easily.

After saying that, Cao Xing jumped onto Dabai's back and took the lead, pursuing at high speed.

Behind him, Assam riding the Frost Wolf, along with Volibear carrying Elisa and Tong Chuchu, also began to sprint.

"Boom! Rumble!"

The entire forest shook incessantly from the movement of the two giant beasts sprinting through it.

Cao Xing and his group's speed was terrifying, thanks to the speed-boosting effects of [Queens Will] and [Queens Domain].

After chasing for about a kilometer or two, he caught sight of the black snake again.

"Very good, this time I'll definitely catch you!"

Just as Cao Xing was about to pull out the [Ejection Hook] to snag it, a look of fear appeared in the black snake's eyes.

"Hiss!!"

It hissed at the sky, the black energy on its body erupted once more, and its speed surged even further!

"Damn! Running this fast?"

Cao Xing was quite surprised to see this.

But he wasn't discouraged, continuing to follow closely and chasing relentlessly!

However, this black snake seemed extremely familiar with this forest.

With a few leaps, it created distance again.

It also used those hundred-meter-tall trees to slow down Cao Xing's pursuit.

Cao Xing relied on his speed advantage to continue the pursuit from behind.

The black snake was being driven to desperation.

It didn't dare to stop for a moment, sprinting all the way and knocking down countless giant trees.

After all, during their last encounter, it had experienced just how powerful this group was and had nearly been ravaged to death by them!

And now, it could feel that this group had become even stronger!

If it fell into their hands, it would definitely have no chance of escape!

Thinking of this, the black snake began to run for its life!

Rumble!

Countless large trees were knocked down by its massive body.

Behind it, the giant beast Dabai was also charging through.

The path behind them was left in complete shambles.

After chasing for so long, Cao Xing looked back.

He noticed a problem.

The team was becoming increasingly scattered.

After all, his subordinates had different movement speeds due to their different classes and races.

Now, only leader-level creatures like Volibear, Assam, and Sarah could keep up with Cao Xing.

Further back, the archers, Braum, and the others had fallen behind.

Watching the black snake's figure gradually recede, a look of helplessness flashed in Cao Xing's eyes.

A moment later, he said, "Stop."

The sprinting team slowly came to a halt.

Behind them, Braum and the others came forward and said.

"My Lord… It is Braum who has slowed you down…"

The other four archers also looked self-reproachful.

Cao Xing waved his hand, "It's fine, don't blame yourselves."

"This black snake's speed is indeed too fast, especially in this forest terrain."

"Even if we continue to chase, I can't guarantee we'll be able to catch up to it."

Hearing this, Braum and the others felt a little better, though they still felt somewhat guilty.

However, Cao Xing also noticed something.

As they chased, they seemed to have arrived in a brand new area of the forest.

He checked the map.

Their current location was about 45 kilometers into the Witch Forest.

Nearly at the very center.

"Good grief, we just chased this black snake for three or four kilometers through the forest; where has it led me?"

Cao Xing looked around and found many plants he didn't recognize nearby.

After pondering for a moment, Cao Xing said, "Since that's the case, let's continue exploring around here."

Upon hearing Cao Xing's order.

Everyone reorganized the team.

Braum and Assam, the two melee fighters, took the lead.

Two Dragon Blood Warriors were on either side of the team.

The group of archers and mages followed behind the team.

"Thump! Thump-thump!"

Dabai led everyone as they explored the dense forest.

Cao Xing sat on Dabai's back, keeping a sharp eye on his surroundings.

Just then, amidst a patch of weeds, he suddenly spotted several small blades of grass emitting a faint blue light.

"Cold Star Grass?"

Cao Xing blurted out.

But he immediately shut his mouth.

Obviously, this grass wasn't that other type of plant.

Getting closer, a system prompt appeared.

[Cold Star Grass (Blue): Magic Plant]

[Effect: Consuming it slightly increases Ice Element affinity and increases spellcasting speed by 3% ~ 8% for 30 ~ 120 seconds.]

(A relatively rare magic plant, also a main ingredient for certain magic potions.)

…

"Oh? A main ingredient for magic potions?"

"This is good stuff!"

Although Cao Xing hadn't yet found a villager with Alchemy skills, and the [Alchemy Workshop] had been sitting idle…

That was only temporary; Cao Xing would definitely find an alchemist eventually.

So, this would come in handy later.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing happily gathered all the blue grass from the ground.

[Obtained: Cold Star Grass (Blue) * 27]

…

"Not bad, not bad, picked up some loot again."

"Let's keep moving."

Then, Cao Xing led everyone to explore the deepest part of the Witch Forest.

A few minutes later.

Cao Xing suddenly saw a dense patch of white bushes ahead.

And near here, Cao Xing sensed a strange aura.

When he pushed aside the bushes and saw the scene before him, his pupils constricted sharply.

"Holy crap!"

"How could something like this be here?"

Cao Xing was astonished.

The others were also stunned, standing in their tracks.

Braum touched his bald head and exclaimed, "Gods above, to think there's an ancient castle in such a forest!"

"And it's so massive."

Indeed, a castle had appeared before Cao Xing and his group.

It covered a vast area, at least a dozen square kilometers.

A tall bluestone wall circled the entire castle.

The walls were covered in mottled marks and moss, filled with the aura of time.

Inside, Cao Xing saw many pointed towers, and in the central area, a tower over a hundred meters tall.

At this moment, he recalled the scene he had seen from that big tree earlier.

"So, this is the scene I saw earlier."

At this moment, a system prompt appeared.

[You have arrived at the deepest part of the Witch Forest and discovered a special area: Forest Witch's Castle. Reputation +50.]

Thanks to book friends: Kui Lei You Ge for 1 monthly ticket, Book Friend 20230711101023982 for 1 monthly ticket, Fei Wang Er for 1 monthly ticket, Xing Chen Xuan Gong for 1 monthly ticket, Zhi Ai @ Bao Bei for 1 monthly ticket, Book Friend 20230107192053808 for 2 monthly tickets, Yao Ge Piao Liang Mei Zi Jie Ge Hun for 1 monthly ticket, Book Friend 20170604092112193 for 3 monthly tickets, Book Friend 20220420140357381 for 1 monthly ticket, Jiu Se Mi Ren for 1 monthly ticket, Dong Fang Hu Li for 5 monthly tickets, Wo Xiang Sha Zhu for 2 monthly tickets, San Shi for 1 monthly ticket, Fei Wang Er for 1 monthly ticket, Lian Ta Meng Ta Si Ta Shi Ta for 4 monthly tickets, Bai Shi De Ling Hun for 1 monthly ticket, Hao Me Me for 1 monthly ticket!!!

Thanks to all the book friends for the recommendation votes and subscriptions!!!