Chapter 527 - 360: Temple Ruins, Incomplete Stele Inscription

Chapter 527: Chapter 360: Temple Ruins, Incomplete Stele Inscription

An ancient temple ruin?

Upon hearing this, all eyes turned to Master Jie Nian.

Master Jie Nian spoke slowly. "When I was young, I came across a fragmented scripture by chance. The location of this temple was recorded within it."

"Out of curiosity, I followed the scripture’s guide and actually managed to find the ruins. Unfortunately, I didn’t have many resources with me at the time, so I couldn’t venture deep inside. I only explored the outer areas."

"But even that was enough to prove the legends were true. And according to the scripture, there’s a spring inside the temple. The air there is also much fresher than in these filthy tunnels."

Hearing this, everyone looked tempted.

After all, with water and clean air, it was more than enough to set up a temporary shelter.

But no one spoke. Instead, they all turned to look at Wu Liangchen.

Without anyone realizing it, he had become the pillar of support for everyone present.

Wu Liangchen considered it for only a moment before nodding. "Alright. We’ll be counting on you, Master."

Once the decision was made, the group immediately set out.

Although Liangzi’s heart was pounding with fear, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow. Song Ling’Er stood silently behind Wu Liangchen, her gaze resolute.

Even Jian Yi pushed himself up, using the wall for support.

Thanks to his powerful constitution and an ample supply of medicine, Jian Yi’s injuries had mostly healed in just a day or two.

Although his face was still pale, he could at least walk on his own.

The group cautiously left the temporary safe house, setting off on the path toward the deeper underground.

Soon, they left the familiar areas and entered a dangerous, unknown region.

This was no longer a relatively orderly network of tunnels, but a zone where the pipes intersected with massive, naturally formed caverns and crevices.

An indescribable, acrid stench of rot and decay filled the air.

The ground underfoot was covered in slippery moss and sharp rubble. The sound of dripping water echoed in the darkness, along with faint, hair-raising growls from the distance.

Master Jie Nian led the way, with Wu Liangchen close behind. Wu Liangchen’s perception was fully extended, scanning every inch of the space ahead like the most precise radar.

He discovered that the layout here no longer matched the map Iron Rat had given them, meaning they had entered a completely new area.

"Watch out!" Alina suddenly hissed. She had sensed an abnormal energy fluctuation to their side.

Before her voice had faded, a black shadow burst from a fissure in the side wall with a vicious gust of wind!

It was a mutated lizard the size of a small calf, its body covered in hard, dark green scales. Its mouth was full of sharp teeth that gave off a nauseating stench.

Wu Liangchen didn’t even turn his head. He just casually waved his left hand behind him.

THUMP!

With a muffled bang, the ferocious mutated lizard, as if struck by a high-speed train, exploded into a cloud of blood mist in mid-air. It didn’t even have time to cry out.

It was a clean, efficient kill, possessing even a sort of violent beauty.

Bringing up the rear, Liangzi’s eyelids twitched at the sight. He subconsciously touched his own plump neck, feeling a sudden chill.

The group pressed onward.

Along the way, they encountered more grotesque and bizarre mutated creatures.

There were giant centipedes with scythe-like claws, fungal conglomerates that could spray corrosive venom, and mimic-crawlers that hid in the shadows, specializing in sneak attacks. 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

These creatures were more highly mutated, more aggressive, and far larger than their counterparts in the upper levels.

But no matter the threat, they were all like clay pigeons before Wu Liangchen. He rarely used his full strength; often, a single casual blow was enough to obliterate monsters that would be lethal to any ordinary person.

Furthermore, Alina also demonstrated her strength as a Level-4 Qishi. She manipulated an invisible Spiritual Power barrier, repeatedly deflecting imperceptible poisonous insects and surprise attacks.

The "iron monks" following Master Jie Nian, though somewhat clumsy in their movements, were utterly fearless. By wielding their simple weapons, they were able to handle stray mutated creatures, relieving a great deal of pressure on the group.

Even Jian Yi, still recovering from his grievous injuries, played a crucial role. Although he was blind, his other senses had become far more acute as a result.

He gripped his longsword tightly, relying on his perception of air currents, sounds, and the faint, almost imperceptible killing intent to warn of lurking dangers several times in advance, allowing Wu Liangchen to react sooner.

Thus, despite the constant danger, Wu Liangchen’s party made smooth progress.

Meanwhile, in the tunnels of the upper levels, Schiller stared with a grim expression at the massive holographic projection before him.

On the projection was a 3D model of Zhongjing’s underground structure, built by network experts from the Beacon using the latest technology.

"Supervisor Schiller, based on our analysis of the energy residue along the targets’ escape route and our simulations of the underground network, they have most likely entered the deep, abandoned structural zone between sectors F-9 and F-12."

He extended a finger, outlining a general area on the holographic map. That region was displayed in a complex, dark red color, signifying unknown and hazardous territory.

"Excellent." The lenses of Schiller’s gold-rimmed glasses glinted with a cold light. "Order all tactical teams to converge on this area in a pincer formation. At the same time, dispatch engineering bot units to blast open and clear any suspected deep-level entrances. I want every single one of their escape routes sealed off!"