111: source!

“Source?!”

These words, like a clap of thunder, simultaneously exploded in the hearts of Kasa, Maergan, and Ling Feng.

The wind on the Red Soil Plateau still howled, and the swirling dust beat against everyone's armor and robes, making a fine, rustling sound.

However, at this moment, the area fell into an eerie silence, as if even the wind held its breath.

Kasa's crimson Soul Fire flickered violently, and the armrest of his bone throne let out a “creak,” seemingly unable to bear the emotional turmoil of its master.

He was somewhat incredulous: “‘Source’? Boy, are you sure you didn't see wrong? That is…”

He seemed to want to say something, but swallowed the words back, his Soul Fire only flickering more intensely.

The psionic crystal on Maergan's forehead glowed erratically, and his normally calm eyes were now turbulent.

He slowly spoke: “If it truly relates to the ‘Source,’ then the value of this secret realm may need to be re-evaluated. However, the power of the ‘Source’ is mostly chaotic and disordered, difficult to control, and can even bring about catastrophic disasters. What degree of ‘more chaotic and violent’ are you referring to?”

Ling Feng's brows also furrowed tightly.

The Star Oracle Strategists behind him all showed looks of horror, clearly the word “Source” held an equally significant meaning for them.

“Source”—the beginning of all things, the origin of power.

In ancient texts, it was described as the most primordial energy that constitutes the world.

It contains infinite possibilities, but also comes with extreme danger.

Legend has it that even a trace of pure “Source” power leaking out is enough to create a vibrant land of miracles or a barren death zone where not a blade of grass grows.

No one could see the expression beneath Guigu Calculator's comical mask. He chuckled, breaking the heavy atmosphere: “As for the exact degree, my meager abilities can't explain it clearly. I can only say that the pointer of the Star-Gazing Disk was shaking like a sieve, and the color was red to purple, purple to black, like it had seen a ghost. In short, one foot in heaven, one foot in hell—it's very exciting!”

He said this lightly, but Kasa and Maergan's expressions grew even uglier.

“Hmph, putting on an act!”

Kasa's Soul Fire suddenly contracted, then surged violently, a hint of brutality in his tone.

“Who cares about ‘Source’ or not ‘Source’! Since there's a great opportunity, there's no way this Duke will miss it! How could any danger be greater than facing a god directly?” His Annihilation Legion seemed to sense their master's will, letting out low roars again, and death energy permeated the air.

Maergan, however, was not as reckless as Kasa. He mused, “Duke Kasa, you speak unwisely. The power of the ‘Source’ is no small matter. If it truly is power of that level, any one of our three factions would likely find it difficult to cope with the potential changes it might cause alone. In my opinion, this matter still requires careful consideration.”

His gaze turned to Ling Feng, “Lord Ling Feng, what are your thoughts?”

Ling Feng did not answer immediately. He glanced at the violet space crack, his eyes deep.

After a moment, he slowly spoke: “I have also heard legends of the ‘Source.’ If Mr. Guigu's words are true, then this secret realm indeed contains unimaginable opportunities and risks.”

He paused, then changed the subject, “However, the more so, the less we can easily give up. Fortune favors the bold; I believe both of you understand this principle.”

“Oh?” A flicker of surprise crossed Maergan's crystal-like eyes. “Lord Ling Feng means we still need to go in?”

“Of course, we must enter.” Ling Feng's tone was calm but firm. “But not by rashly breaking in like this. Mr. Guigu, besides good and bad fortune, can your Star-Gazing Disk detect more specific information about the interior of this secret realm?”

Guigu Calculator shook his head and spread his hands: “Lord Ling Feng thinks too highly of this broken compass. It's just a crude tool for guidance and divination. To be able to sense the aura of the ‘Source’ is already a manifestation of the Ancestral Master's spirit. As for more specific details, unless we send people in for an on-site investigation, we'll be completely in the dark.”

Kasa impatiently tapped his throne with a bone claw: “Then what are we waiting for?! Just send some cannon fodder in to scout the way, wouldn't that work? I don't have much else here, but I have plenty of skeletons!”

As he spoke, he was about to give the order.

“Wait!” Ling Feng interjected, “Duke Kasa, using low-level undead to scout the way can indeed reduce losses for our elites. But if there is true great danger within the secret realm, these cannon fodder may not even be able to send back a single useful piece of information, only wasting time and possibly alarming things that shouldn't be disturbed.”

Maergan nodded slightly in agreement: “Lord Ling Feng's words are reasonable. Cannon fodder tactics are of little use in the face of such an unknown, top-tier secret realm. What we need are elite scouts capable of penetrating deep within and, when encountering unexpected situations, at least bringing back critical information.”

“Then in your opinion, what should be done?” Kasa's Soul Fire stared at Maergan, his tone unfriendly.

This old fox of the Three-Eyed Race always liked to complicate things.

Maergan met his gaze calmly: “It's simple. Each of our three factions dispatches an elite team to investigate together. The numbers don't need to be large; quality is key, and they must be equipped with means to transmit information over long distances.”

“This way, we can both share the risks and cross-verify the intelligence gathered. Once the initial situation is clear, we can then decide on subsequent courses of action, how about it?”

Upon hearing this, Ling Feng's lips curved into a smile.

Maergan's suggestion was exactly what he wanted.

Joint exploration and information sharing might seem fair, but in reality, whoever could interpret more value from limited information and make correct judgments faster would gain the upper hand.

And in this regard, Ling Feng had absolute confidence in the Star Oracle Strategists of his Tiance Manor.

Kasa pondered in silence, his crimson Soul Fire flickering erratically.

He naturally understood the intricacies involved, but Maergan's proposal was indeed the most prudent method at present.

Although Kasa was arrogant, he was not foolish. When facing a secret realm possibly related to the “Source,” a bit of caution was never a bad thing.

Moreover, he didn't believe Ling Feng and Maergan would truly share information without reservation; each would certainly hold something back.

“Hmph, since you both say so, this Duke will play along with you!”

Kasa finally agreed, “However, let me make this clear first: if anyone's dispatched personnel play tricks inside or deliberately conceal important intelligence, don't blame this Duke for being ruthless!”

His pale bone finger pointed at the violet crack, “At that time, this secret realm entrance might just become someone's tomb!”

Ling Feng smiled indifferently: “Duke Kasa worries too much. Since it's a cooperative investigation, sincerity is paramount. My Tiance Manor is willing to send a small team first.” As he spoke, his gaze fell on a Star Oracle Strategist beside him.

The Star Oracle Strategist understood, stepped forward, and a faint light flashed from the jade scroll in his hand: “Reporting to the Manor Lord, the ‘Yaoguang’ team is ready to depart at any time. They are equipped with the latest ‘Xingyu Butterfly,’ which can ensure smooth information transmission for a short period, even in areas with chaotic spatial energy.”

“Very good.” Ling Feng nodded, then looked at Maergan, “Prophet Maergan, what about your side?”

The crystal on Maergan's forehead flashed, and he said calmly: “Our clan's ‘Spirit Shadow’ team excels in stealth and reconnaissance, and has considerable achievements in psionic sensing, making them perfectly suited for such tasks. They will carry ‘Mind Beacons’ to ensure information synchronization.”

All three of their gazes finally fell on Kasa.

Kasa snorted coldly and waved a bone claw: “My ‘Withered Scouts’ are more than capable! Their perception of death and souls is the keenest, and no hidden danger can escape their eyes!”

After he finished speaking, a knight riding a ghostly warhorse and clad in a tattered cloak silently stepped forward from behind him, two points of yellow Soul Fire burning in his eye sockets.

“Good, since all three parties have selected their personnel.”

Ling Feng said loudly, “Then prepare yourselves. In half a quarter of an hour, the three teams will enter the secret realm simultaneously! Remember, the primary task is to ascertain the basic situation of the secret realm. Once any clue related to the ‘Source’ is found, report back immediately!”

“That is natural.” Maergan responded.

Kasa merely let out an indistinct grunt, indicating his assent.

As the three lords' orders were issued, the three special scout teams quickly assembled.

At the edge of the crack, space presented an eerie sense of distortion, with wisps of chaotic energy emanating from it, carrying a heart-palpitating sense of oppression.

“Time's up!” Guigu Calculator said, looking at the hourglass-shaped star timer in his hand.

The captains of the three teams exchanged glances.

The next moment, under the gaze of tens of thousands of troops, they led their teams into that violet unknown...

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