nucmednet Chapter 240 The City Lord's Trial 2
Chapter 240 The City Lord's Trial 2
Huangpu Cloud didn't keep you in suspense and explained in detail:
"【Abyssal Demon Iron】, as the name suggests, is not a mineral that is regularly produced in our main world."
It either originates directly from that chaotic and evil abyssal plane itself, or it is formed from certain special mineral veins in our world that have been tainted and mutated by the powerful abyssal aura over a long period of time.
This material contains extremely pure and violent dark and chaotic power, making it a core material for forging top-tier magical artifacts, dark relics, and even performing certain forbidden rituals; its value is immeasurable.
He paused briefly, allowing Lin Tian to process this information, before revealing the real key point, which was also his condition:
"Young friend, I, the city lord, can tell you how to obtain clues about [Abyssal Demon Iron]. However, this is not a free gift. I need you to prove that you have the strength and qualifications to acquire and control this dangerous material."
"Recently, the 'Abyss Fortress' north of Luoxia City has been under immense pressure. The abyssal monsters outside the defensive line seem to be under unified command, launching wave after wave of fierce and orderly attacks. General Xiao Tianhao, the fortress commander, has requested reinforcements from me multiple times, and the situation is quite dire."
"My request is simple: you must immediately proceed to the Northern Abyss Fortress, meet with Commander Xiao Tianhao, and assist him in successfully killing at least one Abyss Demon leader with command authority in this attack! Use its head and your achievements to prove to me that you possess the strength to deal with the Abyss threat and wield its power!"
Almost as soon as Huangpu Yun finished speaking, a crystal-clear system notification sounded in Lin Tian's mind:
[Ding! Detected that the conditions are met, triggering the unique hidden quest—'The City Lord's Trial - The Abyss'!]
[Mission Level: S]
[Mission Requirements: Proceed to the Abyss Fortress north of Luoxia City and assist the fortress's supreme commander, Xiao Tianhao, in defeating at least one Abyss Monster Leader (a Lord-level unit) of level 50 or higher.]
[Quest Rewards: Massive experience points, 15000 reputation with Luoxia City, 5000 gold coins, and detailed clues about 'Abyssal Demon Iron' possessed by Luoxia City Lord Huangpu Yun.]
[Failure Penalty: -5000 reputation with Luoxia City, relationship with City Lord Huangpu Yun reduced to 'Cold', unable to accept related quests again for a short period.]
【Whether to accept? 】
After scanning the task list, Lin Tian did not hesitate at all.
Killing a level 50 lord? For him, it's just a matter of putting in a little more effort; it's not even as difficult as clearing out a group of elite monsters alone in Elemental Rift.
However, the clue to "Abyssal Demon Iron" is a crucial link in his advancement to [Dominator], and he cannot afford to lose it.
"I accept." Lin Tian's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination.
Seeing Lin Tian accept this dangerous mission so readily, Huangpu Yun smiled with satisfaction and relief, a smile that even contained a hint of a great weight lifted off his shoulders.
He admires this kind of capable and responsible young person.
"Excellent! As expected of young friend Lin Tian, you have great courage!" Huangpu Yun clapped his hands in praise, then asked with concern,
"So, young friend, do you plan to first use the teleportation array to travel to a level-two main city to familiarize yourself with the environment, or will you set off immediately for the Abyss Fortress?"
"Let's go to the Abyss Fortress first." Lin Tian said without any hesitation.
For him, completing the mission and obtaining clues as soon as possible was the top priority; going to the second-tier main city sooner or later made no difference.
"In that case, I wish you a swift victory and great success!" Huangpu Yun stood up and said solemnly, "I will use magic to notify Commander Xiao Tianhao in advance so that he can prepare to receive you."
Lin Tian bowed slightly to Huangpu Yun: "Thank you, City Lord. Farewell."
After saying that, he didn't linger. He turned around and left the city lord's study, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the corridor.
Huangpu Yun stood there for a long time, staring in the direction Lin Tian had left.
......
After leaving the city lord's mansion, Lin Tian did not linger for even a second longer in the bustling city of Luoxia.
He immediately activated [Flash Shrink]!
Compared to his first visit to the Abyss Fortress, when he had to rely on his own two legs and a mount to trek for hours through the perilous wilderness, Lin Tian is now a completely different person.
Starlight flickered around him, and the rules of space were easily manipulated by him, like obedient servants.
The next moment, his figure vanished from the central square of Luoxia City like a ghost, without causing any energy ripples, as if he had never appeared at all.
Almost at the same instant, far from Luoxia City, on the northern border filled with the smell of sulfur and blood, inside the Abyss Fortress—a massive military fortress seemingly cast from black iron and blood—in a relatively secluded corner, starlight converged once more, and Lin Tian's figure, once ethereal, became clear and distinct.
The atmosphere inside the fortress was far more somber and tense than in Luoxia City.
The air was filled with the lingering smell of gunpowder, the cold aura of metal, and a faint, nauseating stench unique to abyssal monsters.
From the towering city walls in the distance, one could faintly hear the shouts of soldiers drilling, the clanging of weapons clashing, and the creaking of the winches of large siege crossbows.
The entire fortress was like a war behemoth crouching on the border, ready to tear apart any invading enemy at any moment.
This is Lin Tian's second time setting foot here.
Last time, he was a level 15 "newbie" who needed to carefully conceal his whereabouts in order to complete the mission. Here, he encountered Celia, who was severely injured and whose strength had plummeted to rock bottom.
Now, he is a terrifying being whose attributes have exceeded 700,000 and who has mastered a variety of god-level skills.
Celia, standing beside him, was no longer the weak and wretched succubus who needed to rely on the "Heart Slave Contract" for protection.
At this moment, she stood tall and straight, wearing a form-fitting, shadowy long dress that accentuated her graceful curves.
Those once-dim, enchanting eyes, dimmed by injuries, were now as deep as the starry sky. With each glance, they exuded a charm and majesty that blended nobility, mystery, and powerful strength.
The immense power within her, belonging to the SSS-rank Shadow Succubus, had been completely restored, even surpassing its pre-injury level.
Celia felt the familiar yet repulsive abyssal aura within the fortress, and looking at her master's unfathomable back beside her, a complex smile curved her rosy lips, her heart filled with countless emotions.
There was a time when she was on the verge of despair in this place, in a truly wretched state.
Now, she has not only fully recovered from her injuries and is even stronger than before, but she has also come to follow such a powerful master.
Sometimes, the turning point of fate is just that wondrous.
"Brother Tian, the smell here is still so unpleasant." Celia spoke softly, her voice carrying a hint of lazy magnetism, but not much fear, but rather a sigh for the past and confidence in her current power.
Lin Tian nodded, his gaze already fixed on the fortress command post.
The message from the Lord of Huangpu City should have arrived by now. It's time to meet Commander Xiao Tianhao and learn about the specific mission objectives.
He strode forward, leading Celia, as if taking a leisurely stroll, towards the innermost and most heavily guarded area of the fortress.
This time, he will face the abyss of danger in the North with the demeanor of an absolute powerhouse.