Chapter 231: Manipulating Metal

Chapter 231: Manipulating Metal

"Holy sht..." Summer Qingyu exclaimed, his mouth filled with profanities as he watched the mist shadow dragon bearing down on them. "How the hell is it coming right for us?"

Misha screamed, "Split up and run!"

Both of them frantically whipped their six-legged horned steeds, but they were merely ordinary mounts. As the Mist Shadow Dragon drew closer, the horses' legs turned limp, and they collapsed to the ground.

Summer Qingyu leaped off his mount, his silhouette darting forward with agility.

Misha tumbled to the ground as well, scrambling to get away.

However, people were fleeing in all directions, and no matter which way they turned, they ended up joining another group, attracting the Mist Shadow Dragon's attacks.

The Mist Shadow Dragon was astonishingly fast and agile, defying its massive size with a wingspan of over thirty meters.

It opened its massive jaws, preparing to unleash its dragon breath.

This single breath would cover an area of over two hundred meters, and both Summer Qingyu and Misha were within range, unable to escape.

Up ahead, Qinghong, who had already burst forward at full speed, turned back. In Ji Xinghuo's hand was an Invisible Sting.

He fired a Blast Flame Arrow.

Just as the dragon breath was about to be unleashed, the invisible arrow shot into the dragon's mouth and exploded.

Boom!

The Mist Shadow Dragon choked.

The flames created by the Blast Flame Arrow were instantly extinguished by the black smoke, and the arrow's fragments failed to tear through the dragon's mouth. It only managed to briefly interrupt the dragon's breath. Without even closing its mouth, the dragon let out a high-pitched roar, and a waterfall-like breath washed over the area.

However, in those few seconds, Summer Qingyu and Misha had escaped far enough to be out of range.

Most of the people who would have been caught in the dragon's breath had also managed to escape.

"Seeking death!"

The rider on the dragon's back coldly huffed.

Ji Xinghuo immediately sensed a gaze fall upon him, and he knew that his arrow had drawn the dragon master's attention.

The Mist Shadow Dragon's breath formed a towering black wall that loomed over him as it flew towards him.

Its flying speed abruptly increased.

"Run!"

Ji Xinghuo urged, and Qinghong burst forward at full speed, not running forward but veering to the left, attempting to escape the path of the dragon's breath.

But in the next second, the Mist Shadow Dragon's breath followed suit, shadowing their every move.

"It's really fixated on me now!"

Ji Xinghuo's heart raced as he watched the dragon breath draw closer.

Those on the ground couldn't match the speed of those in the sky, and with Qinghong's lower tier and the vast difference in strength, their situation looked grim.

Ji Xinghuo wasn't about to wait for death, and he quickly drew out an electric capacity arrow. His star power converged, transforming into countless electric charges that gathered on the arrow. The rotating magnetic field and electrostatic field doubled the amplification, and after a single breath, the electric capacity arrow became a dazzling lightning bolt, soon obscured by the Invisible Sting and turning transparent.

He raised his bow, his hand as steady as Mount Tai, unaffected even by Qinghong's high-speed gallop.

This arrow wasn't aimed at the Mist Shadow Dragon.

It was aimed at the dragon master on its back!

This dragon master's strength was far inferior to that of the dragon, probably only at the second stage of the legendary realm. While the electric capacity arrow couldn't threaten the Mist Shadow Dragon, it could threaten its rider.

Myriad Phenomena and Laws!

A faint halo flashed in Ji Xinghuo's right eye, and the world became quiet. Countless lights and shadows flowed and changed in his vision, evolving into possible futures.

However, Ji Xinghuo realized that he couldn't kill the dragon master, only injure him at most.

But that would be enough.

A thunderous roar!

The electric capacity arrow transformed into a raging lightning bolt that soared into the sky. The refraction effect of the Invisible Sting failed in an instant, fully exposing the arrow as it shot towards the dragon master in the blink of an eye. Sharp electric light dispersed the thin black smoke, revealing the dragon master.

He was a handsome True Dragon man with a muscular build, black hair, and black eyes. He wore exquisite dragon-patterned armor, signifying his origin from the True Dragon Empire.

"Roar!"

The dragon master, under threat, immediately reacted, and the Mist Shadow Dragon halted its breath. Black smoke erupted from its body, and rolling fog formed a seemingly thin, soft mist-like defense. It tried to block the electric capacity arrow but was a step too slow, and the arrow's shooting angle was extremely tricky, penetrating the black fog.

A burst of black smoke erupted from the dragon master, condensing into a shield that guarded him.

Bang!

Electric lights flashed, and thunder rumbled.

The electric capacity arrow instantly shattered, releasing dozens of lightning bolts that ravaged the space on the dragon's back. Some struck the Mist Shadow Dragon, while others swept the dragon master.

The dragon master frowned but remained uninjured.

The Mist Shadow Dragon bore the brunt of the lightning attack, its flight posture dipping lower, evidently paralyzed for a moment before quickly recovering.

Ji Xinghuo secretly shook his head.

This was already the best outcome he could hope for. Even with all his strength behind the arrow, he couldn't kill a legendary dragon master.

Taking advantage of the momentary paralysis of the dragon master and the Mist Shadow Dragon, Qinghong had carried Ji Xinghuo far enough away, and they continued to sprint towards a more distant location.

In the sky, the dragon master stood up on the dragon's back.

The Mist Shadow Dragon flapped its wings, and the whirlwind stirred up endless black mist, causing the attacks to fall short.

Both the dragon and its master remained unscathed.

It turned and dived again, its dragon breath sweeping across the ground like a plow, taking the lives of another hundred people.

"Die!"

A furious roar echoed.

He Yan finally made his move. His body swelled, and crimson blood flames ignited around him. He held a huge spear, seemingly picked up from somewhere, and after a hundred-meter sprint, he hurled it into the sky.

The spear was also enveloped in blood flames, and in an instant, it struck the Mist Shadow Dragon. But this time, the dragon was prepared. Countless black smoke formed a hurricane, deflecting the spear. At the same time, the dragon's figure faded and disappeared from plain sight in the sky.

The Mist Concealing Dragon was naturally adept at invisibility, stealth, and ambush, making it difficult to detect.

The next second.

An enormous figure appeared just dozens of meters above He Yan's head, so close that it breathed dragon breath right in his face.

He Yan was extremely alert and was about to dodge when his brain suddenly hurt.

Instantly, he was engulfed by the dragon's breath.

Dozens of Highland warriors around him fell, and countless black mists penetrated He Yan's body, only to be expelled by his "Blood Drinking Rage Flame." He regained consciousness, and his eyes shot out red light. His right foot stomped the ground forcefully, propelling him into the air, reaching the same height as the dragon.

Instant Movement!

He Yan's figure flashed and appeared on the dragon's back, his hands already gripping an axe and a blade. He roared and chopped at the dragon master's back.

The dragon master was already on guard and turned to face his attacker.

A black giant sword appeared in his hand, and he clashed with He Yan without any fancy moves.

The axe and sword clashed, sending sparks flying. The dragon master swung his giant sword, pressing He Yan back step by step. His strength far surpassed He Yan's, and his combat skills and martial arts were superior. The armor and superpower equipment he wore were also more luxurious. After a few exchanges, He Yan was at a disadvantage, and his ability to instant move was of little use.

At the same time, the black mist surrounding the Mist Shadow Dragon formed black whip-like tendrils that lashed at the enemy on its back relentlessly.

Black mist emerged from under He Yan's feet, seeping into his body.

The Mist Shadow Dragon aided its master while also diving towards the Highland army on the ground, breathing dragon fire to claim more lives.

Clang!

He Yan was forced to the end of the dragon's back, and a sweeping strike from the giant sword finally knocked him off. A terrifying sword wound appeared on his chest, almost ripping him open.

As He Yan fell, the Mist Shadow Dragon flew away and disappeared.

It reappeared with its giant mouth mere meters away from He Yan, but he reacted quickly, using Instant Movement to avoid being bitten.

Both parties appeared and disappeared in the sky, grappling with each other several times, but neither could kill the other.

Bang.

Finally, He Yan landed on the ground, his wounds already healed, blood flames surging. He sprinted at incredible speed across the ground.

However, the Mist Shadow Dragon didn't pursue him or lower its altitude. It continued to breathe dragon fire, attacking others. By now, most of the Highland army and mercenaries had fled far away and were scattered, reducing the dragon breath's killing efficiency.

He Yan was helpless in this situation, as he couldn't fly.

Even if he could, he wouldn't be a match for the dragon master in direct combat. Nonetheless, this dragon master didn't seem intent on killing him.

"Roar..."

The Mist Shadow Dragon let out a triumphant roar, finally ceasing its attack. It flapped its wings and soared into the high sky, soon disappearing from view.

But the Highland warriors and mercenaries dared not let down their guard.

Until dawn.

He Yan confirmed that the Mist Shadow Dragon had left and shouted to regroup his men. After taking a headcount, his expression turned grim.

This Mist Concealing Dragon attack had directly killed over a thousand people, more than a third of their force.

Most of the casualties were Highland warriors, with over 80% perishing from the initial dragon breaths. Their formation had been too concentrated, making them easy targets.

The mercenaries suffered lighter casualties, losing a little over three hundred people. Some mercenaries, upon seeing the dire situation, had decisively fled and never returned.

Ji Xinghuo, Summer Qingyu, and Misha remained as well.

Summer Qingyu and Misha were also unharmed, having had some good fortune. Aside from almost being breathed on by the dragon at the beginning, they hadn't been targeted by the Mist Concealing Dragon afterward. Especially Summer Qingyu, who had hidden in the shadows and only reappeared after the dragon left.

"Keep moving!"

He Yan's gaze swept over the Highland warriors and mercenaries, and he said in a low voice, "The Mist Concealing Dragon is accustomed to nocturnal activities, and the probability of an attack during the day is lower. I've already sent a rescue message to the chieftain, and General Duotai will come to our aid soon.

Marshal Duotai led the defense of the southern border of the Blood Fury Tribe, closest to the Cliff of Heaven's Fall, so he could arrive the fastest to rescue the mercenaries.

He Yan directed his men to collect the corpses and burn them.

Then they continued on their way.

To avoid another ambush by the Mist Shadow Dragon, He Yan deliberately had everyone spread out and not stay too close together. If they were attacked again, they could scatter and minimize casualties.

Ji Xinghuo, Summer Qingyu, and Misha still traveled together but maintained a safe distance from each other.

Summer Qingyu and Misha had both changed to new six-legged horned steeds, and even now, their faces reflected the lingering fear they had experienced.

"Xinghuo," Summer Qingyu said, looking around with a puzzled expression on his face. "This blood battle was too intense. The Biao Tribe actually invited a Dragon Master to help them. We should have taken the opportunity to leave at the beginning. We shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess; otherwise, we wouldn't know how we died."

"We can't run now," Ji Xinghuo shook his head.

"Why not?" Misha asked.

Ji Xinghuo didn't know how to explain. If they had fled when the Mist Shadow Dragon first appeared, they probably could have left smoothly.

But he had chosen to save Summer Qingyu and Misha by shooting that electric capacity arrow to stop the dragon's breath, and that action had drawn He Yan's attention.

And it was already too late.

After that, He Yan had occasionally glanced back at him, indicating that he was keeping a close eye on him.

He Yan couldn't do anything to the Dragon Master, but it would be easy for him to catch up with the three of them, and the outcome would surely be unpleasant.

Summer Qingyu was about to ask another question when he suddenly sensed something and turned his head. He saw He Yan looking back at the mercenaries behind him, and his gaze paused on the three of them for a moment. Although he didn't say anything, Summer Qingyu felt a chill down his spine.

"Damn," he muttered, his face twisting in realization. He now regretted coming to the blood battle with Ji Xinghuo.

"I invited you two to come, so I will definitely guarantee your safety," Ji Xinghuo said softly.

Summer Qingyu frowned and said, "I hope you can keep your word."

Ji Xinghuo didn't pay any attention to him.

In fact, even if He Yan hadn't noticed them, he wouldn't have left.

Coming to this blood battle was the right decision. Just the large amount of spiritual source energy he had gained from the recent events had already achieved his true purpose.

Ji Xinghuo opened the Myriad Phenomena Star Pupil interface.

[Spiritual Source Energy: 6338]



Since obtaining the Myriad Phenomena Star Pupil, this was the fastest and easiest time he had gained spiritual source energy, and it had exceeded 6,000 points!

With this amount of spiritual source energy, he could upgrade many of his abilities.

Ji Xinghuo checked the progress of his abilities and thought carefully before deciding to upgrade "Rotating Magnetic Field" and "Electrostatic Field."

[Rotating Magnetic Field (Level 3 3305/8089)]



[Electrostatic Field (Level 3 476/8089)]



After upgrading the Rotating Magnetic Field, he would not only be able to expand the radius of electromagnetic induction but also enhance his strength, speed, and explosive power.

Moreover, he might gain new abilities after the upgrade.

Upgrading the Electrostatic Field would increase the lethality and range of his control over electricity, and when combined with the Rotating Magnetic Field, the power would be even stronger.

He glanced around discreetly and began to infuse spiritual source energy into the abilities without anyone noticing.

The progress of the Rotating Magnetic Field upgrade was swift.

As the spiritual source energy was consumed, the Rotating Magnetic Field quickly reached the maximum level for Level 3. During this process, Ji Xinghuo felt his body being strengthened from within—his flesh, bones, skin cells, and even his brain were undergoing a transformation.

The hairs on his arms stood on end as the invisible magnetic field spun wildly.

His stellar power also surged rapidly within him.

However, to outsiders, Ji Xinghuo appeared to be simply riding on Qinghong, his face expressionless, with nothing happening.

After a while, the upgrade was finally completed, and the information in the interface was updated!

[Rotating Magnetic Field (Level 4 1/50069)]



Ji Xinghuo took a sharp breath as he saw the requirement of over 50,000 spiritual source energy points for the next upgrade. That was indeed a lot.

But he quickly shifted his focus to something else.

Now that the Rotating Magnetic Field had reached Level 4, he had indeed gained a new ability. At this moment, he could not only sense the electromagnetic field around him but also had a deeper perception of certain substances, far beyond mere observation. When he concentrated his mind, he could interfere with and even control those substances within a short distance! And all those substances had one thing in common—they were all metal!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end