The Shield of Origin and SS-level mission! (5000)

At this moment, Cao Xing was unaware of these things.

The scene before his eyes had already changed.

It was exactly the same as when he saw the Ancient Dragon Oruen in the Crystal Lands last time.

He was surrounded by a vast white space; nothing existed here, and nothing could be seen.

There was only a tall man clad in armor, sitting upright on a giant stone throne.

Cao Xing looked toward him.

The man's gaze also fell upon Cao Xing, a hint of interest appearing at the corners of his mouth.

An ancient voice emanated from his mouth.

"Interesting… Is this a characteristic of Krakatoa?"

"As the only Ancient Dragon capable of maintaining its sanity, it really died after all."

"The more one knows, the faster one dies…"

Cao Xing frowned, "Why would even powerful beings like you die?"

The man smiled and shook his head, "This is merely a sliver of will I left behind; I cannot tell you too much."

"Once you are strong enough, you will know everything."

"For now, let's talk about business."

"Are you willing to accept my inheritance and undergo the True God Trial?"

Hearing this, Cao Xing was thoughtful.

This was… another quest triggered?

"What is the True God Trial?" Cao Xing asked.

The man on the throne replied, "Once you accept it, you will naturally know."

He seemed unwilling to say much.

Cao Xing pondered and continued asking, "If I cannot complete this trial, will there be any punishment for me?"

Caution had always been his style, even now that he was strong.

Without knowing the specific details of the trial, accepting it blindly would be troublesome if there were time limits or failure penalties.

The man on the throne chuckled and shook his head.

"There is no punishment. If you fail, it simply means you are not suited for my inheritance."

Having heard this, Cao Xing did not ask further.

He replied directly, "Fine, I accept."

A smile appeared on the man's lips once again.

Then, he slowly raised his right hand, and a beam of white light instantly burst from his fingertips, landing in the center of Cao Xing's brow.

At the same time, the surrounding scene rapidly receded.

That white space and the man on the throne both vanished.

When Cao Xing returned to the City of Undead, a system prompt appeared.

[Survivor Cao Xing, please note! You have triggered an SS-rank large-scale event: True God Trial!]

[First Ring of the Quest: Head to Vortex Mountain, defeat the Legendary creature: Extreme Cold Demonic Insect, and unlock the next ring of the quest.]

[The True God Trial is divided into four rings. After completing all trials, you will obtain the Plane Key, open the hidden plane, and receive the inheritance of the God of War!]

…

Seeing this prompt, a look of gravity appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

He hadn't expected this quest's difficulty to be SS-rank, higher than completely destroying the Church of Light!

Moreover, the very first ring of the quest was to defeat a Legendary creature: Extreme Cold Demonic Insect.

It truly lived up to the SS-rank rating!

This trial quest had four rings in total, each one more extreme than the last!

However, this also gave Cao Xing something to look forward to.

After all, he had never killed a Legendary creature before!

If he killed something like this Extreme Cold Demonic Insect, the rewards would be something to look forward to!

Of course, although Cao Xing now had the trump cards to kill a Legendary creature, he didn't even know where Vortex Mountain was, so he would have to wait.

As the statue's light dissipated, the Black Knight reacted as well.

He looked at Cao Xing in shock and said, "You actually activated the statue's will and obtained the inheritance of the God of War!"

Cao Xing nodded.

"Great!"

He seemed incredibly excited.

These undead had guarded this place for over ten thousand years, just waiting for this moment!

Now, their wish had finally been fulfilled, which was why they were so excited.

Cao Xing smiled, "Tyrnis, can you give me the Shield of Origin now?"

"Of course!"

The Black Knight said solemnly, "Since you have already received His approval, this shield naturally belongs to you!"

After speaking.

He raised the scythe in his hand and slashed down fiercely toward the front!

"Whoosh!"

A terrifying gust of wind swept past!

The ground beside the statue was directly cleaved open by this slash, creating a crack over a hundred meters long.

Then, this crack began to slowly widen.

"Rumble…"

The ground began to shake crazily.

A mysterious and ancient light erupted from this crack!

It was as if something was about to rush out from underground!

Under Cao Xing's gaze, a simple, unadorned shield radiating a mysterious and ancient aura slowly rose from underground.

As soon as this shield appeared, it exuded a shocking sense of heaviness, as if it had walked out of ancient times, carrying countless histories.

It looked indestructible.

As it continued to rise, bursts of light appeared on the shield.

The primitive stone skin on it fell off, and small dark green patterns appeared on the surface.

From these green patterns, a vigorous and vast life force surged out!

Just standing beside it, one could feel the power of this shield!

When all movement ceased.

The shield floated quietly in mid-air, like an insurmountable barrier!

Cao Xing exclaimed, "So beautiful…"

Tyrnis, who was beside him, also sighed, "You are right."

"This shield once blocked many crises for the City of Dusk, carrying the glory and splendor of that era."

"Now, it belongs to you."

Cao Xing nodded solemnly.

Then he walked over and slowly grabbed a corner of the shield.

The next moment, the shield appeared in his backpack.

[Obtained: Shield of Origin – Anodite (Legendary)]

…

At this moment, a smirk curled the corners of Cao Xing's mouth.

Finally… got it!

This was the first Legendary-grade shield he had ever obtained!

Cao Xing was also very much looking forward to its attributes.

He couldn't wait to take a look.

[Shield of Origin – Anodite]

[Quality: Legendary]

[Equipment Level: Level 70]

[Armor: 3075 ~ 3372]

[Special Effect ①: Physique +3000, Strength +2000, Stagger Resistance +20%]

[Special Effect ②: Metamorphosis (This shield can freely change size according to the user's physique, up to a maximum of 50 meters wide and 100 meters high)]

[Special Effect ③: Origin Conversion (Converts overflow healing into a shield, with the shield maximum being 100% of HP)]

[Special Effect ④: Origin Protection (Protects up to 100 friendly units, bearing all damage they receive, while reducing damage taken by the user by 50%, lasting for 1 hour)]

(Note: The protection status can be freely canceled during the duration.)

[Special Effect ⑤: Origin Giant (Legendary-grade special effect! After binding this shield, all healing effects received are increased by 100%, and after each attack received, one's own physique will grow, up to a height of 100 meters. After accumulating 1000 attacks received, one will transform into an Origin Giant!)]

(Note: In the Origin Giant form, all attributes increase by 100%, Stagger Resistance increases by 100%, and one can use the Legendary skill: 'Heaven-Destroying and Earth-Shattering!' once!)

(Equipment Introduction: A shield containing infinite life force, representing absolute power and protection…)

…

"Damn… so extreme!"

"Five special effects, not a single one is useless; each one can greatly enhance survivability!"

"Especially the final Legendary-grade special effect, it's unimaginably extreme!"

Not only can it transform, but it can also use a Legendary skill once!

And one could tell how powerful a Legendary skill was from the [Eternal Sin Ice Prison] skill!

Cao Xing was completely shocked at this moment!

Of course, like all Legendary equipment, this [Shield of Origin] also required Level 70 to be used.

And in his heart, Cao Xing already had a candidate for it.

In the entire territory, there was no one more suitable for this shield than Braum!

Although Liu Muxue and others also used shields, they tended to be balanced between offense and defense.

Braum was a pure tank.

Combined with this shield, it would definitely be a qualitative change.

"This thing can only be used after he reaches Level 70."

"By then, this big guy will definitely jump for joy when he gets such a powerful shield!"

Of course, that time wouldn't be too far off.

After all, there is no bottleneck from Level 60 to Level 70.

With Cao Xing's current speed, he estimated that Braum could reach Level 70 within half a month.

Thinking of this, his mood became even better.

Meanwhile.

The Black Knight Tyrnis said with emotion from the side.

"In this way, basically everything in the City of Gray Darkness has been taken by you…"

Cao Xing scratched his head in embarrassment after hearing this.

He had indeed gained quite a lot from this trip.

Not only did he incorporate all the undead, but he also obtained a large number of Ancient Tree seeds, as well as this powerful Shield of Origin!

Plus, he triggered an SS-rank inheritance quest.

It could be said that the harvest was quite bountiful.

And this raised a new question in Cao Xing's mind.

"Tyrnis, do other Undead Cities also have such statues?"

The Black Knight nodded, "There should be. The reason we undead exist is all to guard the inheritance of the God of War."

Cao Xing's eyes narrowed slightly.

Because this indicated that not only he, but other Survivors might also trigger Balthazar's inheritance quest.

Of course, for now, the probability is very low.

The primary reason, naturally, is that these undead will attack all living beings.

Lords like Cao Xing, who can rely on their own strength to confront an entire Undead City, basically do not exist.

But there are always some Survivors who are lucky, or have some special means.

Of course, even if they triggered it, it would be useless.

Just the first stage of the quest is impossible for anyone to complete at this stage.

After all, that requires them to defeat a Legendary monster!

Cao Xing did not dwell on this question.

He continued to ask, "Tyrnis, I have another question."

Now, after accepting Balthazar's True God inheritance quest, Cao Xing had gained even more recognition from Tyrnis.

This Black Knight could be said to be forthcoming with everything.

"Please go ahead and ask."

Cao Xing said, "As far as I know, human history records that the human race only rose to prominence within the last ten thousand years."

"Yet you have existed for more than ten thousand years."

"In that era, what did you experience?"

Hearing this question, the Black Knight slowly glanced at Cao Xing.

"As for this question, wait until you possess Legendary strength before asking me again…"

"Knowing it now will only have a negative impact on you."

Cao Xing's expression flickered.

Clearly, this Black Knight also knew something.

He did not continue to ask.

"Fine, then let's leave here first."

Then, he and Tyrnis walked out of this Ruined City together.

At the same time, outside stood an ocean of blue undead and an ocean of green undead, respectively.

Duke Baradin was still continuously converting more undead.

A large number of ancient undead were converted into Ascalon undead with blue ghost fire.

The area of the green ocean gradually shrank, and the blue ocean began to expand.

Sarah, Assam, and the others, seeing Cao Xing and Tyrnis come out together, also breathed a sigh of relief.

Duke Baradin also noticed their figures and then said.

"Lord Cao Xing, it will still take some time for me to convert all the undead here."

"After I finish converting them, I will come to find you."

Cao Xing nodded.

"Good, then I will leave this place to you, and we will return to the territory first."

After saying this, Cao Xing glanced at Tyrnis.

"We are leaving now; I will leave this place to you and Duke Baradin."

"Also, regarding how to arrange the remaining undead army, discuss it with him yourselves."

The Black Knight nodded slightly, "I understand."

After Cao Xing finished speaking, he led his legions and left, then entered that passage.

However, he still left behind some Star Country swordsmen, just in case any accidents occurred.

Regarding this scene, the Black Knight Tyrnis did not say anything.

Watching the backs of Cao Xing and his party as they departed.

A complex look appeared in his eyes, not knowing what he was thinking.

…

…

At this moment, Cao Xing led his army and quickly exited the passage.

The group returned to the snowy ground outside.

Thus, this ancient battlefield, a city belonging to the undead that had been sealed for who knows how many years, had been completely conquered by them.

And all the secrets inside had been uncovered by him one by one.

On the way, Cao Xing began to take stock of this trip's gains.

"This trip's harvest is truly too great!"

"Not only did I successfully resolve the threat of this ancient battlefield, but I also gained more clues about other ancient battlefields and accepted an SS-rank quest."

"In addition, I also obtained a powerful Legendary shield and mastered an undead army of over one hundred thousand."

"Apart from that, there is the harvest of those dozens of seeds!"

Cao Xing took a moment to look at the attributes of these seeds.

There was no need to look at the War Ancient Trees again, as he had obtained them before.

He just needed to continue planting them, and in a few days, he would have a group of new city defense units.

Unlike the Elemental Arrow Tower, although these War Ancient Trees also serve as defensive units, they possess intelligence.

In other words, the War Ancient Trees can grow!

The three War Ancient Trees in Cao Xing's territory had now grown to the full Level 5 state.

Their current base attack power had reached over four thousand, and with various blessing bonuses, it was almost breaking ten thousand!

It was still quite formidable!

One could imagine that once this batch of War Ancient Trees grew up, the defensive capabilities of the territory would receive a qualitative improvement!

As for the other Wind Ancient Tree seeds and Knowledge Ancient Tree seeds, Cao Xing had never obtained them before.

With a sense of anticipation, he looked at their attributes.

[Wind Ancient Tree Seed: Magic Plant]

[Seed Effect: Plant in soil rich in vitality and water regularly with Cold Spirit Water to quickly grow a Wind Ancient Tree with the strength of a Level 25 Boss.]

(Note: The Wind Ancient Tree has decent area-of-effect attack methods and is an excellent plant for defending against large-scale monster attacks. The growth cycle is 15 days.)

…

[Knowledge Ancient Tree Seed: Magic Plant]

[Seed Effect: Plant in soil rich in vitality to quickly grow a Knowledge Ancient Tree that does not possess attack capabilities.]

(Note: As an ancient sage, the Knowledge Ancient Tree does not possess attack capabilities, but it can teach corresponding skills to Dark Elves or the Elf Clan. The growth cycle is one month.)

…

Cao Xing exclaimed in admiration, "These two types of plants… are both very good!"

"The Wind Ancient Tree has area-of-effect attack methods."

"And the Knowledge Ancient Tree can even teach those Elves and Dark Elves corresponding skills."

"It just so happens… I know of an Ancient Elf tribe that has a large number of ancient elves."

"I'll see if there's a chance later to lure this group of ancient elves back!"

Thinking of this, Cao Xing decided to start planting these two types of plants after returning.

Then, after Renice finished her investigation, he would head to that Elf tribe!

Thinking this over.

Cao Xing and his party returned to the territory.

Their trip to the ancient battlefield hadn't taken very long.

The time was now only one o'clock in the afternoon.

Over a thousand combat personnel gathered together again, waiting for Cao Xing's next command.

Cao Xing took a look and continued to issue orders, "Bjorn, Hilda, Braum."

"The three of you continue to lead the legions and go out to deal with those enhanced Ice Nests."

"The mages don't need to go out. I see that your levels are already maxed out; return to the Mage Tower to continue meditating and absorb more magic power."

The combat personnel below nodded one after another.

"As you command, Lord!"

Soon, they quickly left the territory.

Only Cao Xing and Liu Muxue remained here.

The female knight said softly, "Ah Xing, I'm going to the Knight Hall to train as well."

"I've learned a lot of combat techniques in there recently!"

A look of excitement was on her pretty face.

A smile also appeared on Cao Xing's face, "Good, go ahead."

"Mm-hmm."

Soon, Liu Muxue also left.

At the same time.

A thin, small figure hurried toward Cao Xing.

He was wearing a dirty jacket, his face covered in soot, moving quickly.

It was that little guy named Sarle, one of the two blacksmith apprentices.

After arriving at Cao Xing's side, Sarle bowed slightly.

Then he said respectfully, "Lord, Master Harold asked me to come and inform you that the Legendary weapon you asked him to repair last time has been repaired!"

Hearing this, Cao Xing's eyes immediately lit up.

"The Ancient Sword has actually been repaired?"

"Very good, let's go over together."

"Alright, Lord!"

With an excited mood, Cao Xing followed the blacksmith apprentice and soon arrived at the blacksmith shop.