The transformation of the chicken king, the curse nemesis! (6000)

Behind him, a Light Feather Chicken was gazing at him.

"Hmm? Buoyancy?"

Cao Xing asked in confusion, "Muxue just went out, didn't she take you with her?"

"Cluck~"

This Light Feather Chicken fluttered its wings, hopping about, not knowing what it wanted to do.

At the same time, Liu Muxue's call request came through.

As soon as it connected, he heard her somewhat anxious voice.

"A-Xing, have you seen Buoyancy?"

Cao Xing replied, "I saw it. This guy is right here in the territory."

On the other end of the call, Liu Muxue instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hoo… It's good that you saw it. During the battle just now, Buoyancy ran off at some point."

"By the time we came to our senses, its figure was already gone."

"I was wondering where it went, but I didn't expect it to run all the way back to the territory!"

There was a hint of speechlessness in Liu Muxue's tone.

Hearing this, Cao Xing couldn't help but chuckle.

This Light Feather Chicken was quite interesting; it actually knew how to run back home by itself.

"Muxue, continue with your battle, don't worry about it."

"Okay."

With that, both parties hung up the communication.

Cao Xing looked behind him.

This Light Feather Chicken didn't make a sound; it just looked at Cao Xing, following him wherever he went, quite like a little tagalong.

Cao Xing naturally knew what this little fellow was thinking.

"Buoyancy, want to eat something again?"

"Cluck~"

The Light Feather Chicken nodded repeatedly, the white crest on its head trembling slightly.

Its jet-black, gemstone-like eyes carried a look of yearning as it gazed at its master.

Among the pets Cao Xing raised, Buoyancy was the most gluttonous one.

However, it was still alright.

Although this guy was gluttonous, it had a sense of proportion. As long as you fed it one or two pet rations a day, or a green-quality Heart of Life, it wouldn't pester you anymore.

Just as Cao Xing was about to take out a pet ration to send it away,

a different thought suddenly arose in his heart.

"In my backpack, there is still a Commander-level soul of the Soul-Eating Netherworm that hasn't been used."

"Should I try upgrading Buoyancy to Leader-level, and then let it use this soul?"

If that Commander-level soul failed, there was a probability of bodily mutation.

Cao Xing didn't dare let Assam, Isabelle, or others use it.

But the Light Feather Chicken was different.

It was an avian creature to begin with; even if its body underwent mutation, it wouldn't get any uglier.

It could be said that success meant a huge profit, and failure wasn't a loss either.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing immediately made a decision.

However, before that, he had to first let Buoyancy rise to Leader-level before it could transform towards the Commander-level.

Thus, Cao Xing first pulled out the Leader soul dropped by the mercenary group leader from his backpack.

Then he directly slapped it into "Buoyancy" body.

This Light Feather Chicken didn't understand the situation at first.

Until it felt a surge of intense power welling up inside its body, causing its black pupils to suddenly dilate!

Then, a soft glow continuously emerged from its body.

"Cluck~ Cluck-cluck~"

Buoyancy seemed very happy, flapping its wings constantly.

The aura on its body was also steadily rising.

Whether it was due to the increased luck value or not, this breakthrough went extremely smoothly.

Before long, a system prompt appeared:

[Your pet: Buoyancy has broken through to a Leader-level creature, basic attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Light Feather Sanctuary]

[Light Feather Sanctuary: Condenses feathers and attaches them to 10 friendly units, granting them a layer of holy light membrane. The light membrane can block damage, with a durability value equal to 100% of the Light Feather Chicken's attack power, and the effect lasts for 30 seconds;]

[During the Light Feather Sanctuary, every time a friendly unit attacks, there is a 30% probability to trigger an additional Light Feather attack, dealing magical damage equal to 30% of the Light Feather Chicken's base attack power to the enemy. Cooldown time: 120 seconds]

…

"Eh? It's actually an AoE support skill?"

"This effect is not bad!"

This skill not only has a layer of light membrane, which is a shield effect.

"Calculated this way, counting all my support skills, everyone can basically have five layers of shields?"

Holy Shield 3 layers, Heavenly Sound Falling 1 layer, Light Feather Sanctuary 1 layer.

Besides this, the skill also has another ability: when friendly units attack, it will trigger an additional attack effect, increasing the warriors' output capability.

"Not bad, not bad. It just so happens that the previous three pets are basically combat-type."

"Now that a support-type pet has come, it will be a huge help to me as well."

Just as Cao Xing was about to go all out and directly have Buoyancy use the soul,

he suddenly realized something.

"No, I've succeeded too many times before. This time I have a hunch, the breakthrough is estimated to fail!"

Cao Xing firmly believed in his own hunch.

Therefore, before letting Buoyancy break through, he had to go find something to fail a few times.

In our terms, it's called padding the blade.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing exchanged all the remaining Ice Dragon Marks in his backpack into advanced Hearts of Power.

Counting the quantity Harati had just given him, as well as the unused quantity from last time,

they added up to a total of 147.

"Not bad. With this many, it should be enough to let that group of Earth-type mages all break through."

Thus, Cao Xing called out the newly summoned batch of apprentices.

He distributed all the Hearts of Power among them, boosting another wave of loyalty.

Amidst their excited gazes, Cao Xing announced, "So now, let's start the breakthrough!"

All the mage apprentices slightly bowed and then shattered these crystals.

"Crack! Snap!"

Accompanied by bursts of shattering sounds, the pure power was absorbed.

The aura on their bodies also continuously surged upward.

However, this time, the success rate was quite average.

Out of one hundred, 67 succeeded and 33 failed.

The failed mages wore dejected expressions.

Seeing this scene, Cao Xing was extremely delighted.

"Not bad, not bad. Failing is great!"

"The more we fail, the more stable the next time will be!"

Thus, he timely stepped out to encourage them, "Everyone, do not be discouraged. Those who failed, keep up the effort and just claim a new Heart of Power from me to break through again."

Hearing this, those mages stepped forward once more.

Until the remaining 47 Hearts of Power were used up, leaving only 2.

Almost everyone finally succeeded in breaking through.

Cao Xing sighed inwardly, "Very good, the blade padding is just about done now."

After letting all the mages return to the Mage Tower,

he came to the side of the Light Feather Chicken again.

He took out the soul containing a strong evil aura.

When Buoyancy saw this soul, it instinctively showed some resistance.

It flapped its wings, subconsciously wanting to flee from here.

But Cao Xing reached out directly and grabbed its wings.

"Cluck-cluck~"

This Light Feather Chicken appeared somewhat flustered.

Cao Xing said in its ear, "Don't be nervous, it will be fine in a moment."

With that, before it could react, he slapped the soul directly into its body.

In an instant, Buoyancy widened its chicken eyes abruptly as if it had suffered some kind of stimulus.

Then it began flapping its wings at lightning speed!

"Cluck~ Cluck-cluck~!"

The Light Feather Chicken cried out continuously, seeming to be in extreme pain.

The bright aura on its body also flickered between bright and dim.

Even worse, Cao Xing saw something wriggling beneath its glossy feathers, looking somewhat creepily terrifying!

Cao Xing frowned, "Is it going to fail?"

He squatted down and comforted Buoyancy, "Don't be afraid, this won't be dangerous."

"It's just that something else might grow out on your body."

"But don't worry, no matter how ugly you become, I won't dislike you."

Hearing these words, Buoyancy appeared even more terrified!

The whole chicken was shivering, and the light on its body grew increasingly dim.

Seeing this situation, Cao Xing took out a purple pet ration from his backpack and fed it directly to it.

After swallowing the pet ration, the delicious stimulation seemed to make it forget the pain.

"Cluck…"

It stopped flapping its wings, and its avian pupils became exceptionally bright.

The next moment, a formidable aura of light erupted from within its body!

Cao Xing's pupils instantly constricted.

"This condition, could it be…"

The next moment, a system prompt appeared:

[Your pet: Buoyancy has successfully broken through to a Tier 5 Commander-level creature, basic attributes increased by 30%, mental attributes additionally increased by 20% this breakthrough, activated Commander-level skill: Light of Purification]

[Commander-level skill · Light of Purification: Condenses the light power of the entire body to cast the Light of Purification, which can clear all negative statuses below Hero-level on the target unit, including: bleeding, poisoning, burning, cursing, and other effects… Cooldown time: 30 seconds]

(Note: Buffed by the talent 'Growth Purification', the purification effect of this skill is further enhanced, capable of dispelling all negative statuses below Legendary.)

…

…

Seeing the attribute introduction above, Cao Xing was instantly astonished.

"Holy shit! Not only can it dispel all negative statuses?"

"And influenced by the talent bonus, it can even dispel all abnormal statuses below Legendary!?"

This Commander-level skill was terrifying!

As he grew stronger and stronger, the means of the enemies he faced also became more numerous.

Many enemies possessed powerful negative status attacks, and relying solely on Liu Muxue's Purification spell was no longer enough to dispel them.

Buoyancy activating this skill could be said to greatly increase the team's safety.

Moreover, the cooldown time of this skill was not long, only 30 seconds.

Besides this, Cao Xing also noticed a description above stating it could clear curses…

"According to the notes, this skill can even dispel all curses below Legendary."

"Then, what level of curse effect does the Curse of Withered Life on Marita belong to?"

Thinking of this, Cao Xing decided to give it a try.

Thus, he looked at Buoyancy beside him, "Follow me."

After successfully breaking through, Buoyancy seemed very satisfied with its own state.

It was admiring its own figure with a smug look on its face.

Hearing Cao Xing's command, it slowly followed behind him.

Soon, they arrived at the room where Marita was located and knocked on the door.

"Thud! Thud-thud!"

"Ms. Marita, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Hearing Cao Xing's voice, a mature voice came from inside.

"Alright, I'll be right out."

Footsteps gradually sounded.

A moment later, a graceful figure dressed in a low-cut gown walked out of the room with poised steps.

On Marita's mature face, a look of doubt appeared as she asked, "Lord Cao Xing, what is wrong?"

Cao Xing did not mention the curse right away, but instead said, "This time, thank you for the orb you gave me."

"This thing helped me a huge deal and allowed me to defeat the enemy."

"So now, it should be returned to its original owner."

With that, he handed the orb right in front of Marita.

Although this thing's effect was extremely abnormal, managing to control even a Sovereign-level creature in place for so long,

and even taking effect against Legendary powerhouses,

combined with the trump card he had just obtained [Lizardman Ancestor Statue], it was practically capable of slaying gods if they blocked.

But Cao Xing still knew clearly what things should be taken and what things should not.

To Marita, the value of this orb must also be very precious—a treasure she carried on her person to save her life.

However, seeing the orb in Cao Xing's hand,

Marita did not take it over the first moment, but instead softly said, "It is nothing, just a casual effort."

"Lord Cao Xing returning safely and soundly is the greatest good news."

Hearing this, a gentle smile also emerged in Cao Xing's eyes.

He continued, "Right, how is the Withering Life Curse inside your body? How much longer can it be suppressed?"

Hearing this topic, Marita sighed.

"To not hide it from you, Lord Cao Xing, this time I came to the Gale Snowfield to find a method to completely lift the Withering Life Curse."

"According to a certain powerhouse in our Orchid Kingdom, in a small village in the Gale Snowfield, there might be a secluded Legendary powerhouse."

"Perhaps he has a way to help us solve the curse on our bodies."

"However… this powerhouse has not shown his face for many years, and no one knows whether he is still here or not."

"So we just held the mindset of giving it a try…"

Speaking of this, some worry appeared in the eyes of this noble lady.

And Cao Xing looked at her, then tentatively asked,

"How about, let me try?"

"Hmm?"

Marita raised her head, her beautiful eyes carrying a bit of doubt, "You mean…"

Cao Xing said, "To be precise, let my pet have a try."

After finishing, he pointed at the Light Feather Chicken beside him.

Marita looked at that Light Feather Chicken, which held its head high and was extremely narcissistic, and a bizarre look appeared in her eyes.

Although it felt somewhat unreliable, she still trusted Cao Xing very much.

Thus, Marita inexplicably nodded…

"Then… let us give it a try?"

Hearing this, a smile also emerged at the corners of Cao Xing's mouth.

"Buoyancy, use Purifying Light on Ms. Marita."

Hearing the command, this Light Feather Chicken immediately flapped its wings and gradually floated into mid-air.

"Cluck~"

As the crisp crowing sounded, a large amount of soft light was emitted from its body.

These lights carried a strong purifying power,

then gathered into a cluster and fell directly onto Marita's body.

In an instant, Marita's body stiffened all at once, as if she had been electrocuted.

Her shoulders also began to tremble slightly along with it.

At the same time, the soft Purifying Light continuously exerted its effect within her body.

Cao Xing even saw puffs of white smoke rising from the top of Marita's head.

Moments later, these white smokes gradually turned into red blood mists!

Cao Xing's eyes lit up, "Effective?"

But when he saw the status column on Marita's panel, a look of disappointment appeared in his eyes once more.

[Status: Withering Life Curse]

The status was still there, which also meant that the curse had not been dispelled.

"Still useless?" Cao Xing said with some regret.

However, at this moment, Marita's beautiful eyes had already widened, looking at the Light Feather Chicken in shock.

"Lord Cao Xing… what kind of creature is this!?"

"It can actually clear the curse inside my body, this is simply too incredible!"

Cao Xing asked doubtfully, "What is it, Ms. Marita? Was it not lifted?"

Marita shook her head and said, "No, it is effective!"

"It is just that the Withering Life Curse is an extremely stubborn curse, so one time might not be able to resolve it."

"Judging from the effect just now, coming a few more times, it is estimated that it can be completely cleared!"

Hearing these words, a look of pleasant surprise also appeared on Cao Xing's face.

"That is wonderful, Ms. Marita!"

"My pet needs a certain interval of time to release this ability, please wait a moment."

Marita solemnly nodded.

Next, they stayed together, waiting for the Light Feather Chicken's Commander-level skill cooldown.

During the wait, Marita tightly pinched the hem of her skirt, various emotions emerging in her heart.

Apprehensive, excited, nervous…

After all, if she could remove the Withering Life Curse in her body, it would be of great significance to her!

At the same time, the Light Feather Chicken's skill finished cooling down, and it then began to successively use [Purifying Light] on Marita.

As the soft light continuously fell into this noble lady's body,

puffs of red blood mist also continuously drifted away from Marita's body.

This also meant that the power of the curse within her body was being cleared bit by bit.

And seeing this, the joy in Cao Xing's eyes grew even more intense!

I have to say, Buoyancy's Commander-level purification skill was truly quite abnormal!

Even this kingdom's Archmage felt helpless against it, and even needed to seek help from a Legendary powerhouse's curse,

was actually cleared away bit by bit just like that!

Cao Xing felt that letting Buoyancy breakthrough to Commander-level this time was truly the most correct choice.

And with the release of the fifth [Purifying Light], the soft and pure light enshrouded her within it.

The life curse on Marita's body was finally completely cleared away.

On the status bar, the information regarding the curse also vanished.

At this moment, Marita was just like a newborn flower, carrying a light and fragrant aura all over her body.

And not only that.

Along with the removal of the curse, Marita's blood circulation became smoother.

One could clearly feel the powerful magical fluctuations contained within this Archmage's body.

She had become stronger!

Moments later, a look of emotion surfaced on Marita's mature and charming face.

"I did not expect that the curse which troubled me for so many days would actually find a solution in your territory."

"Lord Cao Xing, you are truly my benefactor…"

[Because of your rescue, Marita Vargas's favorability toward you has increased. Current favorability: Intimate]

Cao Xing smiled, "Ms. Marita exaggerates, to me, you are also my benefactor."

"I am also very gratified to be able to help you lift the curse."

Hearing this, a look of being moved once again surfaced in Marita's eyes.

At this time, she seemed to have made some decision.

She said solemnly, "Lord Cao Xing, although you have already helped me lift the curse, which is already a tremendous grace to me,"

"I still have a matter here to trouble you with."

Although Cao Xing felt somewhat puzzled, he still said, "It does not matter, just mention whatever matter you have."

Marita said, "It is like this, besides me, there is another person who also has the Withering Life Curse on her body."

"I want to ask you to help her lift the curse as well."

"And as a reward, this Moon Goddess Sealed Orb will be gifted to Lord Cao Xing, what do you think?"

Hearing this, Cao Xing directly waved his hand and said,

"I can help, but the orb is not needed."

"After all, to me, it is just a casual effort."

To Cao Xing, this was truly just a matter of convenience.

Anyway, Buoyancy's [Purifying Light] skill had a very fast cooldown time and did not require paying any price.

However, Marita shook her head and said, "To you, it might be a casual effort, but to us, this meaning is of great significance."

"This orb, please make sure to accept it."

Her tone carried sincerity and gratitude.

Finished speaking, without waiting for him to refuse, Marita quickly turned around and entered her own room.

Cao Xing dazedly glanced at her back, smiled, and shook his head.

Then he put that orb back into his backpack.

At the same time,

after Marita entered the room, she did not know what she said to the others.

Inside the room, an overbearing aura instantly erupted,

sweeping out instantly like a surging sea wave!

Within it, Cao Xing even sensed a powerful magic power not inferior to Marita's!

Moments later, that veiled woman followed Marita and quickly walked out.

This woman, just like Marita, naturally carried an aura of a superior being, with an elegant posture.

Even though she was veiled, one could still feel a powerful wave of magic power emanating from her body.

However, at this moment, this woman's eyes carried a hint of anticipation and nervousness, and she then looked at Cao Xing apprehensively.

Marita said, "Lord Cao Xing, this is the person I mentioned who is also afflicted with the Withering Life Curse."

Cao Xing slightly nodded.

Marita turned back and said to that woman, "As you saw, Lord Cao Xing helped me clear the curse within my body."

"Therefore, we no longer need to go look for that secluded Legendary."

Hearing this, that woman also solemnly nodded and said, "I understand."

"Then, I will have to trouble Lord Cao Xing."

Words falling, she slowly lifted the black veil on her face.

The next moment,

an incomparably beautiful and ethereal face with an otherworldly temperament was displayed before Cao Xing.

That small and delicate face was as delicate and smooth as white jade, without a trace of a flaw to be seen.

Her curved eyebrows were as slender as a new moon, and beneath them was a pair of eyes as brilliant as stars.

This woman's appearance was as exquisite as a meticulously carved piece of art, with every single line being just right.

Extraordinary and refined temperament—that was precisely used to describe this woman.

Cao Xing noticed that this woman's appearance seemed somewhat similar to Marita's.

It was just that she appeared much more tender and youthful.

Glancing at her attributes,

[Orchid Kingdom Princess: Fran Vargas]

[Affiliated Faction: Orchid Kingdom]

[Level: Level 60 (Tier 7 Commander-level Creature)]

[Attributes: …]

[Status: Withering Life Curse]