Chapter 245: Reaching the Top Floor, Looting the Ancient Castle! (6000)

"The Ancestral Totem is the source of our power, Sal."

"All Black Smoke Shamans, upon breaking through to the leader level, will communicate with the Ancestral Totem to gain different abilities."

"And this time, the heroic spirit I communicated with is this one."

After listening to Blot's explanation, Cao Xing nodded in realization.

Clearly, this transformation of Blot's was different from other Black Smoke Shamans.

The skill he obtained this time was much more powerful!

After all, this summoned a commander-level creature.

One can tell from the attributes of Victoria, that Tier 4 commander in the territory.

Just how powerful creatures of this level are!

Clearly, this skill was unexpectedly good!

Cao Xing was also very satisfied.

Next, it was time to find the passage to the top floor.

Cao Xing ordered, "Everyone, search around and look for a way to enter the top floor."

After receiving the order, everyone quickly dispersed.

Even Cao Xing himself wandered around the third floor of the ancient castle.

The space in the ancient castle was very large.

Cao Xing searched for a few minutes but did not find any special places or passages.

The others didn't have any luck either.

But Cao Xing was not discouraged.

Because it didn't matter if he couldn't find one.

At worst, he would just go to the window, use the [Grappling Hook], and climb up.

He must see this witch today!

Just then, a beautiful figure quickly walked towards him.

Eight long, slender legs moved gracefully across the floor.

The upper body was that of a woman with a devilish figure.

It was Hilda.

"Is something the matter, Hilda?"

Hilda slightly raised her chin, her eyes filled with a touch of arrogance, and said, "Do you want a treasure chest?"

After hearing this, Cao Xing seemed to realize something, "Of course I do!"

A smile curled on the corner of Hilda's mouth.

"Tch! Follow me. This time, I found it all by myself."

After speaking, she turned around and walked towards a corner of the third floor of the ancient castle.

Cao Xing followed behind her.

Soon, the two discovered a pile of debris in the corner.

Underneath that pile of debris, Cao Xing saw a corner of a golden chest.

"Holy crap! Another golden treasure chest!"

He was amazed.

After all, this was the second golden treasure chest he had found since entering this ancient castle!

Sure enough, pioneering such a high-level map yields high rewards!

This made Cao Xing even more expectant about what he might find on the top floor of the Witch's Castle.

"Hilda, well done!"

The Blood Spider Queen before him said disdainfully, "I just found it casually. Seeing how much you like treasure chests, this Queen will begrudgingly help you find some."

Cao Xing laughed, not minding it.

Anyway, he was already familiar with the Blood Spider Queen's temperament.

He leaned in to take a look, and a system prompt appeared.

[Found a long-dusty golden treasure chest. Open it?]

"Yes."

[Opening successful.]

[Obtained: Intermediate Mechanical Factory Blueprint * 1]

[Obtained: Ring of Corrupted Spirits (Gold) * 1]

[Obtained: Magic Pattern Stone * 6]

[Obtained: Eternal Gold Ingot * 7]

[Obtained: Expert-grade Elemental Crystal * 2]

…

"Haha, it's actually an Intermediate Mechanical Factory Blueprint!"

Seeing the system prompt, Cao Xing suddenly exclaimed.

At the same time, a look of wild joy appeared on his face.

Because this blueprint was one of the things Cao Xing currently urgently needed.

With the Intermediate Mechanical Factory, he could build transport vehicles to mine resources in more distant places.

He could also build Arc Stars, small combat drones, and so on, to conduct modern warfare.

Really nice!

At this moment, another ring appeared in Cao Xing's hand.

This ring was dark purple overall, looking like metal, but also more like crystal material.

He looked at its attributes.

[Ring of Corrupted Spirits (Gold)]

[Quality: Rare]

[Equipment Level: 30]

[Attached Effect ①: Spirit +120, Agility +80]

[Attached Effect ②: Spirit Infusion (Increases the application rate of abnormal status effects by 15%, including bleeding, poisoning, frostbite, etc…)]

[Attached Effect ③: Corrupted Spirit (Increases abnormal status damage by 15%, including corrosion, life drain, etc…)]

(Equipment Description: A lost ring; its former owner was a Great Lich.)

…

After reading the attributes, Cao Xing pondered.

"A ring that increases the application rate and damage of abnormal status effects?"

"This thing could actually be given to Sarah and Renice; they both happen to have bleeding damage."

However, Cao Xing looked at Hilda again.

Her [Blood Poison], as her main source of damage, also seemed to be an abnormal status effect.

He just didn't know if it could receive a bonus from this ring.

After thinking, Cao Xing decided to try.

So, he said directly, "Hilda, hold out your hand."

With a loyalty of 93 points, Hilda would not refuse Cao Xing's order.

She extended her slender arm with a look of disgust.

At this moment, the back of Hilda's hand was covered with a layer of black gauze, adding a sense of cold beauty.

"Tch! What do you want this Queen to extend her arm for?"

Before she could react, Cao Xing had already grabbed her right hand.

The moment she made contact with Cao Xing, the Blood Spider Queen trembled all over, then subconsciously pulled her arm back.

"You, you, you… what do you want to do?"

"You actually dare to touch this Queen's body!"

Cao Xing looked at her, speechless.

Hilda seemed to have realized something as well.

She extended her right hand and found a dark purple ring on her middle finger.

A look of surprise appeared in her beautiful, smokey-eyed eyes.

"This is…"

Cao Xing asked, "How is it? Is this ring useful to you?"

He was more concerned about whether this ring could strengthen Hilda's Blood Poison effect.

After hearing this, Hilda felt it carefully.

Then she nodded slightly.

"I feel a cold energy on it. This ring seems to be able to strengthen the corrosion intensity of my Blood Poison."

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

It really worked!

Hilda extended her beautiful right hand and carefully observed the ring.

Then she asked, "Is this… a gift for this Queen?"

Cao Xing was stunned, then smiled, "You could say that."

After hearing this, a curve appeared on her demonically beautiful face.

"Count yourself as having a bit of conscience."

Speaking of this, she seemed to realize something, then said with disgust:

"Tch! This Queen doesn't care for your gift…"

[Due to your generous gift, Hilda Bloodkiss's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 97]

…

Cao Xing smiled.

Now, the loyalty he lost with this Blood Spider Queen had been made up for.

Then, they continued searching in the tower.

At this moment, Renice walked over, holding her Horned Eagle Great Bow, and reported respectfully.

"Lord, I found something strange up ahead."

"It seems to be a pool, but there is a hidden energy shield over it. With my strength, I don't seem to be able to break it."

Renice had the [Hunting Eye] skill, which could see through some hidden things.

Cao Xing realized something immediately upon hearing this.

"There's actually such a place? Renice, take me to see it."

"As you command."

Soon, they arrived at the black pool that Renice had mentioned.

The pool was not large, square, and about seven or eight square meters.

And Cao Xing's [True Sight Eye] could also see that there was a hidden energy shield on it.

[Vivian's Spirit Sealing Barrier]

[Armor: 3500]

[Durability: 200000/200000]

[Attached Effect: Transcendent Rune (Immune to attacks below Tier 5)]

…

"Immune to attacks below Tier 5?"

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

Clearly, now was the time to use [Vivian's Hairpin (Orange)].

So, Cao Xing took the jade hairpin out of his backpack.

And stabbed it directly at it.

"Pop!"

With a crisp sound.

The barrier over the black pool dissipated instantly.

An invisible energy began to disperse.

A large amount of black mist rose from the pool.

"Splash… splash…"

The black liquid surged below.

Before long, the shape of a portal appeared above it.

Cao Xing perked up, watching the movement before him.

When the portal was completely formed, Cao Xing saw its attributes.

[Ancient Castle Portal]

[Quality: Unknown]

[Function: Step into the portal to travel to the top floor of the ancient castle]

…

Cao Xing took a deep breath.

"Good heavens, so that's how it is!"

"Great, the portal to the top floor is open!"

He was overjoyed and immediately called everyone over.

Everyone gathered around the portal, their eyes filled with curiosity.

After thinking for a moment.

Cao Xing decided that Assam should go in first.

Assam straightened his body, then without hesitation, stepped into the teleportation array.

The next moment, the Frost Wolf Knight's tall figure disappeared.

A moment later, Cao Xing asked through the communication device on his ear, "Assam, how is the situation?"

"Zzz… zzz…"

Assam's voice rang out.

"Reporting to the Lord, I am currently fine."

"This looks like an ancient castle hall as well, with many rooms nearby. I smell a very rich herbal fragrance."

Herbal fragrance?

Hearing this, a look of curiosity appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

Then he said directly, "Let's go, we're going in too."

After speaking, he led everyone into the portal together.

The scene flashed before his eyes.

When Cao Xing's vision recovered, he first saw his subordinates beside him.

Liu Muxue held her shield, guarding his side vigilantly.

And Cao Xing began to observe the surrounding situation.

The light on the top floor of the ancient castle still appeared very dim.

Only moonlight spilled in through the window above.

He could only vaguely see the scene ahead.

Indeed, as Assam had said, a wide hall appeared in front of them.

In the middle of the hall was a strange, huge magic circle, with a layer of black powder at the edges, looking as if some evil creature had emerged from the magic circle.

And on both sides of the hall were small rooms closed with wooden doors.

"Sniff, sniff…"

Little Elisa kept twitching her nose, as if smelling something.

"So fragrant! It's the smell of cookies!"

And the Centaur nearby said, "No, this seems to be the smell of various mixed plants!"

Including Cao Xing, he also smelled a special fragrance.

Everyone sniffed this strange medicinal fragrance.

Cao Xing said directly, "The smell seems to be emanating from those rooms. Let's go over and take a look."

After speaking, he followed the herbal fragrance and pushed open one of the rooms directly.

He was immediately stunned by the scene before him.

Inside were rows of shelves, and next to the shelves were various kinds of potions!

These potions were red, some green; at a glance, they were dazzling.

Moreover, one could sense from the aura contained in these potions that their quality must be very high!

"Good heavens, so many potions?"

Cao Xing was instantly stunned!

Then, as if he had discovered some kind of treasure, he rushed over quickly.

Without even looking at their attributes, he collected all these potions immediately.

[Obtained: Life Potion (Medium) * 147]

[Obtained: Mana Potion (Medium) * 32]

[Obtained: Life Potion (Large) * 15]

[Obtained: Medium Strength Potion * 5]

[Obtained: Medium Spirit Potion * 6]

[Received: Medium Gale Elixir * 6]

…

"Holy crap! Holy crap!"

At this moment, Cao Xing exclaimed directly.

He completely did not expect that there would be so many elixirs inside, and the quality was not low either!

You have to know, the cheapest [Medium Life Elixir], according to market price, already sells for 4000 crowns a bottle!

There are over a hundred bottles here!

Just the value of these hundred-plus bottles of Life Elixir is worth 600,000 crowns!

And very obviously, the elixirs below have even higher value.

With an excited mood, Cao Xing impatiently checked the attributes.

[Medium Life Elixir: After consuming, immediately restores 1000 Health Points, cooldown time 30 seconds]

[Medium Mana Elixir: After consuming, immediately restores a medium amount of Mental Power, cooldown time 45 seconds]

[Large Life Elixir: After consuming, immediately restores 5000 Health Points, cooldown time: 45 seconds]

…

[Medium Strength Elixir: After consuming, for the next 30 minutes, Strength + 50]

[Medium Spirit Elixir: After consuming, for the next 30 minutes, Spirit + 50]

[Medium Gale Potion: After consuming, for the next 30 minutes, Agility + 50, Movement Speed + 10%]

(Note: The power contained in Medium Attribute Elixirs is too intense; only creatures of Tier 2 or above can consume them.)

…

"Haha, I'm rich, I'm rich!"

The effects of these elixirs are more terrifying than the last.

Especially that [Large Life Elixir], it can actually directly restore 5000 Health Points.

And Cao Xing's [Improved Medium Life Elixir Recipe] can only restore 2000 Health Points.

However, the improved version's cooldown time is only 30 seconds.

Besides that, those attribute-boosting elixirs are also very powerful.

They can actually directly increase Strength and Spirit by 50, which is equivalent to an increase of over a hundred points of Attack Power!

And what is the most critical point?

Elixirs with durations like these have a high probability of receiving the buff from [Eternal Power].

In other words, Cao Xing only needs to drink one bottle to permanently enjoy this bonus effect.

"The SSS-grade Talent is so awesome, it saved me quite a lot of resources again!"

Cao Xing was overjoyed.

He decided on the spot to distribute these elixirs first.

After all, such precious elixirs should of course be used to improve himself!

6 bottles of [Medium Spirit Elixir], he distributed to Liu Muxue, Hilda, Isabelle, Andrew, Blot, and himself, one bottle each.

6 bottles of [Medium Gale Elixir], Cao Xing distributed to Sarah, Renice, Elisa, and three Nightmare Archers, one bottle each.

The quantity of [Medium Strength Elixir] is a bit less, only 5 bottles.

Cao Xing gave them to Assam, the two Dragon Blood Warriors, Rabb, and Braum, five people in total.

At this moment, those who received the elixirs were all clutching the medicine bottles in their hands, their eyes filled with excitement.

They could naturally sense that the aura contained within these elixirs could make them stronger.

Cao Xing said: "Alright, everyone start consuming them."

"Those who didn't get any, don't worry, we'll look for more when we go to the next room later."

Hearing this, everyone nodded one after another.

Cao Xing was the first to drink the bottle of blue elixir in his hand in one gulp!

Instantly, a strange power flowed into his stomach.

Not long after, he felt a cool power rush into the top of his head!

At this moment, system notifications appeared one after another.

[Successfully consumed [Medium Spirit Elixir], Spirit + 50, affected by Talent [Eternal Power], this state has become permanent…]

[Your territory member: Sarah Blade Dance successfully consumed [Medium Gale Elixir], Agility + 50, Movement Speed + 10%, affected by Talent [Eternal Power], this state has become permanent…]

[Your…]

…

Everyone who finished consuming the elixirs felt their strength significantly improved, their eyes filled with excitement.

And Cao Xing, having tasted the sweetness, was also very excited.

You have to know, there were still a few small rooms next to this hall that hadn't been explored yet.

If every room had this many gains, then Cao Xing would make a huge profit this time!

With an excited mood, Cao Xing gave the order: "Let's go, we're going to the next room."

Everyone started moving.

Very quickly, they pushed open the door to the second room!

Just like the first room, there were many shelves inside, with colorful elixirs displayed in a dazzling array!

Cao Xing suppressed his excitement, quickly walked over, and collected all the elixirs on them.

[Received: Medium Life Elixir * 113]

[Received: Medium Mana Elixir * 27]

[Received: Large Life Elixir * 33]

[Received: Medium Strength Elixir * 8]

[Received: Medium Spirit Elixir * 7]

[Received: Medium Gale Elixir * 9]

[Received: Medium Physique Elixir * 5]

…

"Haha! There are even more elixirs in this room!"

"This time I'm really rich!"

Cao Xing was overjoyed.

As usual, he distributed two bottles of [Medium Strength Elixir] to Kantor and Kandaer.

He then distributed the 5 bottles of [Medium Physique Elixir] to Braum and Assam, as well as one bottle each to himself, Liu Muxue, and Andrew.

[Successfully consumed [Medium Physique Elixir], Physique + 50, affected by Talent [Eternal Power], this state has become permanent…]

…

"Not bad, not bad, my health increased quite a bit again."

Then, they came to the third room.

It was also the last room on the left side of the hall.

Pushing open the door.

A rich scent of herbs immediately wafted out from inside.

Inside, it didn't seem to be a place for storing elixirs, but rather more like a place for brewing elixirs.

In the center of the room, there was a black cauldron.

It contained some green potion, still 'bubbling' away.

He checked the attributes.

[Witch's Cauldron (Orange): Special Item]

[Quality: Epic]

[Effect: Can speed up elixir brewing speed by 30%, increase elixir brewing success rate by 20%]

(Introduction: A witch's cauldron, can significantly speed up elixir brewing speed and success rate, a magical item that all alchemists desire to possess.)

…

"Good heavens! It's actually another orange item, and it can even increase the success rate!"

Just as the note said, for alchemists, this is an artifact-level existence!

Cao Xing almost subconsciously put this thing into his backpack.

[Received: Witch's Cauldron (Orange)]

…

"Very good, this trip has been completely worth it!"

Cao Xing was overjoyed.

Besides this cauldron, Cao Xing also saw a few different potions nearby.

One bottle was cyan, one was gold, and there was also a white elixir.

Some crystalline powder was mixed into the liquid.

It seemed to have been brewed not long ago.

He collected these three bottles of elixir.

[Received: Witch's Swallow Elixir * 1]

[Received: Witch's Goldfinch Elixir * 1]

[Received: Witch's Jackdaw Elixir * 1]

…

"Oh? New elixirs? What do they do?"

He checked the attributes.

[Witch's Swallow Elixir: After consuming, can increase evasion rate by 25%, effect lasts for 1 minute]

[Witch's Goldfinch Elixir: Apply to a weapon, making the next 10 attacks carry the Goldfinch Erosion effect, reducing the enemy's armor by up to 10% (can stack with other states)]

[Witch's Jackdaw Elixir: After consuming, increases melee class attack speed by 20%, and increases dismemberment probability by 20%, but if Physique is insufficient, it will damage muscles and cause laceration effects to oneself.]

…

"Three elixirs with special abilities?"

"The effects are quite terrifying, but it's a pity there's only 1 bottle of each."

Cao Xing put them into his backpack first, not using them immediately.

Then he impatiently said: "Let's go, we continue searching."

On the other side of the hall, they also saw a few more rooms.

Cao Xing was also very much looking forward to what he could find inside.

Very quickly, they arrived on the opposite side.

They pushed the door open directly.

And the things inside made Cao Xing's pupils constrict again!

Because he saw many planted plants.

There were even some magical plants that Cao Xing was familiar with!

Obviously, these were herbs used by the witch for brewing elixirs.

He leaned over to take a look.

[Spirit Breath Grass (Green)]

[Moon Condensation Flower (Blue)]

[Red Lotus (Blue)]

[Mysterious Four-Leaf Clover (Gold)]

…

"Good heavens! There are even gold-quality magical plants!"

Cao Xing checked the attributes.

[Mysterious Four-Leaf Clover (Gold): Magical Plant]

[Effect: A four-leaf clover containing mysterious power, after eating, can randomly increase one attribute (including four-dimensional attributes, Charisma, Luck, Attack Power, Health Points, etc.), it is a material used to make certain high-level elixirs.]

…

"Oh? It can even increase Luck and Charisma."

"As expected of a gold-quality magical plant!"

Cao Xing did not hesitate and scavenged all these materials.

[Received: Spirit Breath Grass (Green) * 102]

[Received: Moon Condensation Flower (Blue) * 32]

[Received: Red Lotus (Blue) * 39]

[Received: Mysterious Four-Leaf Clover (Gold) * 4]

…

(PS: Continuing with 16,000 words tomorrow! The ancient castle plot is ending. After so much foreshadowing, we are finally going to meet this legendary witch. This is a very important character~)

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