Chapter 225: Braum’s Transformation, Ice Giant Form (6400)

Once Renice breaks through to Tier 4, she will undergo another powerful transformation!

Only 7 seconds had passed.

The first Human-Faced Tree was killed by her on the spot.

[Your territory member: Renice Eagle Eye killed Ice Crystal Human-Faced Tree Lv39, Tier 4 normal creature, obtained EXP: 1560]

[Combatant obtained EXP: 780]

…

This scene made Elisa, who was also an archer, incredibly envious.

"Wow! Sister Renice… so amazing!"

At this moment, Renice, who was currently active, glanced at Elisa with a gentle smile on her face.

"Little Elisa is also great. Keep working hard, Lord will definitely help you continue to improve your strength."

"Mm-hmm! Elisa will work hard!"

Elisa nodded repeatedly.

The performance of the others was equally brilliant!

For example, Andrew, who had already broken through to Tier 4.

In [Moonkin Form], he began to continuously rain down 'Starfire' and 'Moonfire'.

Boom! Boom boom!

The sounds of explosions were incessant, triggering waves of damage.

[-6375]

[-5412]

[-6451]

[-5321]

…

As one of the top three damage dealers in the team.

These Tier 4 normal-level Human-Faced Trees only had twenty or thirty thousand HP; they couldn't withstand Andrew's bombardment at all.

In the blink of an eye, a Human-Faced Tree was killed by him on the spot.

[Your territory member: Andrew killed Ice Crystal Human-Faced Tree Lv38, Tier 4 normal creature, obtained EXP: 1520]

[Combatant obtained EXP: 760]

…

And beside Cao Xing, Tier 4 Isabelle and Hilda were each dealing with a Tier 4 leader.

Both being Tier 4, Isabelle and Hilda were also Leader-class, plus they had a full set of BUFFs on them.

One can imagine how miserably these leader-class Human-Faced Trees were being suppressed by them.

The opponents had almost no ability to fight back.

"Boom! Boom boom!"

[Holy Light Ash Shield] and [Holy Light Ball] exploded one after another, shaking this leader-class Human-Faced Tree incessantly.

And beside her, Hilda, after stacking up the [Blood Poison] layers, made the opponent emit constant screams!

Dense damage numbers began to flood the screen.

Of course, the most powerful one was still Sarah.

Ever since she learned the new skill [Phantom Step].

Sarah became even more elusive.

Combined with the [Silent Blade] in her hand, she wouldn't even reveal herself when attacking while in stealth mode.

"Swish! Swish swish!"

Attacks were delivered from the darkness.

[-6858!]

[-4632]

[-10724!]

Coup de Grâce!

…

Heart-trembling damage numbers appeared.

From Cao Xing's perspective, he could only see the Human-Faced Tree's HP dropping in chunks!

In less than three or four seconds, a Human-Faced Tree was killed by her on the spot!

Her position as the team's top damage dealer remained unshakable.

The battle proceeded in an orderly manner…

Soon, those normal Human-Faced Trees were gradually cleared out by them.

As the damage dealers freed up their firepower, the remaining 5 Elite Human-Faced Trees were also quickly killed.

Then, it was Isabelle, Hilda, and Assam who had already finished the battle.

[Your territory member: Isabelle Gospel killed Human-Faced Tree Elder Lv39, Tier 4 Leader-class creature, obtained EXP 7800]

[Combatant obtained EXP: 3900]

[Your…]

…

Three kill notifications appeared.

Only the last Leader-class Human-Faced Tree remained on the field, still putting up a desperate struggle.

However, its HP had also dropped to a dangerous level.

There was only about ten thousand or so HP left.

With one [Ice Breaking Flying Blade] from Cao Xing.

"Boom! Boom boom!"

[-4732]

[-7059!]

[-7124!]

A burst of damage took away nearly twenty thousand HP from the Human-Faced Tree Leader.

Its HP hit zero instantly.

All the branches on its body also drooped down.

System prompts appeared.

[Successfully killed Human-Faced Tree Leader Lv39, Tier 4 Leader-class creature, obtained EXP: 0]

[Combatant obtained EXP: 7800]

Meanwhile.

A white light rose from Sarah's body.

[Your territory member: Sarah Blade Dance level has increased, current level: 31]

…

Hearing the system prompt, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

"Very good, killed so many monsters today, Sarah, who used the Heart of Strength first, has already leveled up."

However—

Level 31 to 32 requires 340,000 EXP, which means every level up requires 40,000 more EXP.

Battle ended.

Next was the loot-gathering phase that they were looking forward to.

Cao Xing ordered: "Old rules, go and cut down those vines."

Everyone started moving.

And Cao Xing walked straight towards the Leader-class Human-Faced Tree and picked up the things that dropped on the ground.

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Leader's Life Tree Heart (Gold) *1]

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Leader's Soul (Gold) *1]

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Leader's Tough Bark (Gold) *1]

[Obtained: Premium Tree Sap (Gold) *7]

[Obtained…]

…

"Haha, another Leader-class Soul dropped."

For Cao Xing, a Leader-class Soul was even more precious than a high-level Heart of Strength.

After all, [High-level Heart of Strength] could be dropped by some Tier 4 Leaders.

But Leader Souls only had a chance to drop from rare Leader-class creatures.

Meanwhile.

Everyone had finished clearing the corpses of those Human-Faced Trees.

Cao Xing walked over quickly and collected everything.

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Elder's Leader Soul *2]

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Elder's Life Tree Heart (Purple) *3]

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree Leader's Life Vine *78]

[Obtained: High-level Heart of Strength *1]

[Obtained: Intermediate Heart of Strength *8]

[Obtained…]

…

A pile of materials was once again pocketed by him.

Looking at his backpack, with materials about to stack up to 40 slots, an irrepressible joy appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

Because inside, there were also a large number of normal Human-Faced Tree Hearts, Nightmare Thorns from Man-Eating Flowers, and other precious materials.

From morning until sunset in the afternoon.

They went through a total of 8 battles.

Three waves were Nightmare Man-Eating Flowers, five waves were Human-Faced Trees.

They had almost cleared the entire area around the ancient castle.

Not counting other gains.

Just [Intermediate Heart of Strength], the quantity in Cao Xing's backpack exceeded 60, which was equivalent to 600,000 Ice Dragon Marks!

[High-level Heart of Strength] a total of 5 were obtained.

There was also 1 Leader-class Soul, 8 Leader-class Souls, and 31 Elite Souls.

Plus, there were over 20 Nightmare Archer recruitment scrolls.

One can imagine how astonishing their harvest was this time.

Cao Xing said with a joyful expression: "Very good, killed another Leader-class Human-Faced Tree today."

"Now I have two Leader-class Life Tree Hearts in my backpack."

"This time when we go back, we can let the Pale Tree improve by a large margin!"

Next was the loot distribution phase.

Cao Xing said: "Alright, everyone rest on the spot."

"Let's divide today's items, and then we'll prepare to go back."

Hearing this, everyone's faces also carried expressions of joy.

After all, nothing was more exciting than the improvement of strength!

Cao Xing began to look at the pile of loot in his backpack, thinking about who to distribute it to.

The first thing to distribute was naturally the 5 [High-level Heart of Strength].

According to the order in which territory members joined.

Cao Xing gave one each to Renice, Blot, and Rabb.

Then, he gave one to himself and Liu Muxue.

Originally, he wanted to give the last one to Braum.

But Cao Xing looked at the Leader-class Soul in his hand and decided to give this soul to him.

"Braum, come here."

Hearing this, Braum raised his shield and came to Cao Xing's side.

"Lord, Braum is here, is there any good news?"

"Of course there is good news."

Cao Xing smiled, then threw the soul in his hand directly to him.

"Take this soul and start breaking through."

Braum looked at the item in his hand, and an excited expression instantly appeared in his eyes.

He also knew that this Leader Soul was something more important than a [High-level Heart of Strength].

It was also clear how much Cao Xing valued him!

Braum placed his heavy great shield on the ground and said respectfully: "Lord, thank you for your recognition of Braum!"

"From now on, Braum will defend your glory with the shield and life in my hand!"

[Due to your generous gift, territory member: Braum Ironwall loyalty has further increased. Since loyalty is full, special effect triggered: Die-hard.]

…

Hearing the system prompt.

A touch of joy appeared in Cao Xing's heart.

Not bad, not bad, one more die-hard subordinate.

Then, he went to the side of Volibear and Dabai, and took out 6 Leader-class [Human-Faced Tree Hearts] from his backpack.

Looking at their eager eyes, a smile also appeared on Cao Xing's face.

Then, he fed them 2 each.

'Crunch, crunch!'

Dabai and Volibear, like eating candies, swallowed the 2 Leader-class tree hearts.

Surging vitality constantly emerged within their bodies.

Then, Cao Xing walked to the side of Assam's Frost Wolf and patted an Elite Soul into its body.

He ordered: "Alright, use the things in your hands, everyone start breaking through."

"Yes! Lord!"

Everyone responded simultaneously.

Those who were assigned Hearts of Strength and Souls all began to break through.

Including Cao Xing and Liu Muxue, they also started to use [High-level Heart of Strength].

The method of using this thing was the same as the primary Heart of Strength, just crush it.

"Crack!"

As the crystal shattered, pure power surged into everyone's bodies.

Everyone on the field entered a breakthrough state.

Others were also waiting quietly on the side.

As time passed.

The aura on the five people was also constantly growing.

Especially Blot and Renice and others.

Their aura had reached a peak level; just by looking at them, one could feel a sense of oppression!

Then, three consecutive system prompts appeared.

[Your territory member: Blot Brimstone breakthrough successful, has become a Tier 4 creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

[Your territory member: Renice Eagle Eye breakthrough successful, has become a Tier 4 creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

[Your territory member: Rabb breakthrough successful, has become a Tier 4 creature, base attributes increased by 100%]

…

At this moment, Cao Xing, who was in a breakthrough state, saw the system prompt and his eyes lit up immediately.

"Damn! Luck is so good?"

"Actually succeeded three in a row, haha!"

However, good news came again.

Cao Xing felt that the power accumulated in his body had reached a terrifying level.

With constant impact, a 'pop' sound rang in his mind.

Like a bubble being pricked.

At this moment, he seemed to have broken through some kind of boundary.

Instantly, the world before his eyes suddenly became clearer.

He could even clearly feel the fluctuation of ice elements in the air.

[You have successfully advanced to: Tier 4 Frost Mage, base attributes increased by 100%]

[Due to your significant increase in mental attributes and deeper insight into ice elements, skill: Primary Ice Control has been upgraded to Intermediate Ice Control]

…

"There's this effect after Tier 4? It even upgraded my Ice Control skill?"

"So that's it, no wonder I felt the ice elements around me so clearly!"

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

This was a key skill.

[Ice Element Control] the higher the level, the more proficient the application of elements.

After reaching high level, he could even learn from Isabelle and condense the ice elements in the air into the shape he wanted.

"Not bad, not bad, Tier 3 to Tier 4 is really an important transformation."

Feeling the full power in his body, he couldn't wait to look at his attribute panel.

[Name: Cao Xing]

[Race: Blue Star Human]

[Level: 30 0/300000 (Tier 4 Frost Mage)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

…

"Actually have 2600 magic attack!"

"If I add Muxue's blessing on top of that, I can easily reach 3300 Magic Attack!"

"With this wave of [Ice Breaking Flying Blade] smashed over, ordinary monsters of the same level will probably be killed instantly!"

A strong smile of joy appeared on Cao Xing's lips.

He was delighted by this improvement in his strength.

Most importantly, his Ice Healing Art was nearing 1600, and his Ice Armor could increase armor by nearly 700!

Although, since the system update, the armor calculation method had been changed to division.

But this was still a huge improvement, capable of reducing a large amount of damage.

Just then, the Aurora aura on Liu Muxue gradually subsided.

She looked at Cao Xing, a look of frustration appearing in her eyes.

"Axing… I think I failed the breakthrough…"

Cao Xing smiled after hearing this and comforted her: "It's fine. Four out of five succeeded, only one failed. This probability is already very high."

"Just consider it as having paved the way for us."

Upon hearing this, a look of contemplation flashed across Liu Muxue's beautiful features, and then she nodded heavily.

"Mm-hmm! If my failure can trade for all of you succeeding in your breakthroughs, then I'd rather fail a few more times!"

Hearing this, a gentle smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

Although Liu Muxue didn't participate in direct combat much, she was truly assisting Cao Xing wholeheartedly.

He rubbed her head; everything was understood without words.

At this moment, Renice, Blot, and Rabb.

The three Tier 4 powerhouses who had already successfully broken through had excited expressions in their eyes.

Rabb said excitedly: "Oh! I actually became a Tier 4 Wild Boar Warrior, that's awesome!"

"If the chieftain finds out, he will definitely be proud of me!"

Including the Blot beside him, who was exceptionally excited.

"Very good, with my current strength, I should be able to destroy a squadron of the Blood Legion, right?"

"Once I am strong enough, I will return to the Southern Continent and unleash the fiercest revenge on those invaders!"

His eyes held a look of hatred.

This peace-loving Shael, without realizing it, had been cultivated by Cao Xing into a warmonger.

Only Renice stood quietly to the side.

She quickly accepted her breakthrough and began to adapt to the surging power within her body.

At this time, the three looked gratefully at Cao Xing and saluted: "Thank you, respected Lord."

Cao Xing waved his hand.

Then, he checked the attributes of the three after their breakthrough.

[Wild Boar Tribe Warrior: Rabb]

[Race: Human]

[Level: 30 0/300000 (Tier 4 Boss-tier creature)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

…

[Black Smoke Shaman: Blot Brimstone]

[Race: Shael]

[Level: 30 0/300000 (Tier 4 Boss-tier creature)]

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

…

[Ascalon Archer: Renice Hawkeye]

[Race: Human]

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

[Detailed Attributes: Click to view]

…

"Good, good, good!"

"Renice also has 3300 Attack Power. Combined with Honor Blessing, she can easily break 4000."

"Plus 100% Critical Hit Rate, almost every arrow has a minimum of 6000 damage. What a terrifying transformation!"

Of course, although Blot and Rabb's attributes are a bit worse.

But this is because they are currently only Boss-tier creatures.

Once they break through to Leader-tier, they will also have extremely powerful combat capability.

Meanwhile, Dabai and Volibear had also fully digested the life force within them.

[Your pet: Dabai consumed Boss-tier Human-faced Tree Heart *2, has grown to a new stage, HP +9%]

[Your pet: Volibear used Boss-tier Human-faced Tree Heart *2, has grown to a new stage, HP +8%]

…

Seeing the system notification, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's face again!

He checked the HP of the two giant beasts.

[Cao Xing's Pet: Dabai]

[Level: 30 0/300000 (Tier 3 Boss-tier creature)]

[HP: 74515/74515]

…

[Cao Xing's Pet: Volibear]

[Level: 27 18324/260000 (Tier 3 Boss-tier creature)]

[HP: 51738/51738]

…

"Haha, Dabai's HP is almost at 75,000! This is a huge improvement!"

"Volie is not bad either, it has broken through 50,000. When it reaches Level 30, it can increase its HP by a few thousand more!"

"Plus, I have two Leader-tier Human-faced Tree Hearts in my backpack. After going back, I can further improve the Pale Tree's blessing, and the vitality will increase even more!"

Thinking of this, Cao Xing became even more expectant.

Next was Assam's mount, the Frost Wolf.

The aura of this white Frost Wolf was also rapidly rising, and in no time, it completed its Elite-tier transformation.

[Your territory member's mount: Frost Wolf successfully advanced to Tier 3 Elite creature, basic attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Snowfield Dash]

[Snowfield Dash (Passive Skill): Running speed increased by 20%. In terrains like snowfields, running speed increases by an additional 10%]

…

This skill is also quite good, capable of significantly increasing the Frost Wolf's mobility.

After all, as a knight's mount, agility is the primary requirement.

At this moment.

On the field, only Braum was still in the transformation state.

This time, it seemed it was truly as Cao Xing had said.

Liu Muxue's failed breakthrough had paved the way for them.

Not only did four consecutive high-level Heart of Strength succeed, but even Braum's breakthrough seemed very smooth.

This strong guy's muscles were bulging, and his body was rapidly growing taller.

From the original 1.8 meters, he shot up directly to 2.5 meters!

Combined with the knotted muscles all over his body, he looked like a devilish muscle man!

"Crack!"

With a terrifying force of ice erupting from his body!

Braum suddenly opened his azure blue eyes.

The handlebar mustache at the corners of his mouth moved without wind, and his thick lips gradually spread, revealing an exaggerated smile.

He laughed loudly: "Lord, Braum did not fail, I succeeded!"

"I am now also a powerful Leader-tier existence, hahaha!"

Cao Xing also had a smile on his face, "Congratulations."

Although the system notification hadn't appeared yet.

But from Braum's current aura, it was clear that he would definitely succeed this time.

Moreover, Cao Xing had a premonition that this breakthrough of Braum's was definitely very important!

Meanwhile, this big guy's transformation had reached the final stage.

"Hmph!"

With a shout from Braum, he seemed to pull back all the strength in his body, and his bloated size returned to its original state.

[Your territory member: Braum Ironwall successfully used Soul Transformation, has become a Tier 3 Leader-tier creature, basic attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Ice Giant]

[Ice Giant: After activating this skill, for the next 90 seconds, it makes itself grow in size, Strength attribute increases by 50%, HP increases by 50%, Armor increases by 20%, and additionally gains the skill: Giant's Roar.]

…

"Good fellow, this new skill of Braum's is quite powerful!"

His HP itself had already reached 60,000. After activating this skill, it could directly reach 90,000!

Moreover, once Braum breaks through to Tier 4, his base HP can at least break through to 90,000.

After using this [Ice Giant] skill, that's at least 130,000 HP, plus a 20% armor bonus.

It's truly terrifying just to think about it…

"However, what is this [Giant's Roar] skill?"

Cao Xing checked the attributes.

[Giant's Roar: The Ice Giant lets out an angry roar, forcing all enemies within 50 meters to attack him. The effect lasts for 20 seconds, with a cooldown of 60 seconds.]

…

"Whoa… isn't this a taunt skill? And it's an AoE taunt!"

Cao Xing looked at him with surprise and praised: "Braum, this new form is very good; it can better protect our team."

Braum rubbed his head and said: "I think so too, Lord!"

Looking at the powerful aura on Braum.

Assam smiled at this time and said: "Mr. Braum, in this way, you don't have to worry about your position as the team's number one shield guard being taken away, right?"

Braum replied: "Knight Assam, you are right."

"I feel that I can even withstand your attacks head-on now!"

Hearing this, a trace of fighting spirit appeared in Assam's eyes.

The honor of being a knight did not allow him to fail to break through an enemy's defense.

And since they were in front of their Lord, he couldn't fall behind.

Assam even wanted to spar with Braum on the spot.

But he also knew that now was not the time.

So, Assam smiled and said: "Next time we have a chance, let's have a match!"

Braum readily agreed, "No problem!"

"Of course, you cannot use that ancient treasure sword, otherwise I definitely won't fight you."

"Rest assured, I will not use the ancient treasure sword."

Everyone listened to their conversation, and smiles were on their faces.

Now, everything that could be used for improvement had been used.

Next, they had to return to the territory first.

Cao Xing quickly ordered: "Follow me, prepare to return!"

After saying that, he and Liu Muxue arrived on Dabai's back.

While Elisa and Little Chuchu climbed onto Volibear's back.

Under Cao Xing's guidance, the group began to walk out of the Witch Forest.

Boom! Boom!

It took about fifty minutes for them to rush out of the Witch Forest.

No way around it; after all, they had gone too deep this time.

However, the only good news was that Cao Xing had already figured out the secrets of this forest.

Next, they just needed to wait for the blizzard weather to stop, and Cao Xing would come to the forest again to uncover the secrets in the ancient castle one by one.

"Whoosh—"

As soon as they walked out of the forest, the cold air hitting their faces made everyone shiver.

Just like last time, as soon as they came out, they saw snowflakes filling the sky!

…