Chapter 424: Secret Techniques Unveiled

Chapter 424: Secret Techniques Unveiled

[Mutant Dragonman Fourth Form (Dragon Beast Form): Upon activation, the body will further transform into a dragon-like state based on the third form. Immune to mid-grade toxins and diseases, and immune to arcane damage below 120 degrees.]



(Note: The duration is positively correlated with bloodline concentration and constitution.)



"Dragon Beast Form?" Upon seeing these four words, Rain couldn't help but feel a mix of worry and joy.

"After this transformation, I'm becoming less and less human. I was at least a Dragonman before, and could barely be considered human."

"But now, the system describes it as a Dragon Beast?" Rain couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

However, when Rain saw the phrase in the system description, 'Immune to arcane damage below 120 degrees', he felt more joy than worry.

"Before it was 80 degrees, now it's 120 degrees. In other words, I should be immune to most third-tier and below arcane spells from all elements."

"Forget it, whether I'm a man or a beast, in this world, what matters most is enhancing my combat power."

"Just as the Sage said, it doesn't matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat."

As Rain felt the changes within his body, although he wanted to try out his new form—the Dragon Beast Form, he also knew that the current Dragon Valley Sanctuary might not even be able to withstand his third form, let alone the fourth form.

He estimated that as soon as he transformed, he would be 'pushed' out of the sanctuary.

"Sir, the bodies have all been dealt with," said Areda, who was standing nearby with a smile, as she slowly approached and reported.

"Good job," Rain said with a slight smile.

"By the way, Lord Baldwin, shall we head to the third location now and set up the rift closer?" Rain turned to the military commander, Lord Baldwin, and said.

"Of course, Lord Rain, it's over there," Lord Baldwin said, pointing to the east. "It's a little over thirty kilometers from here."

Rain nodded.

He knew the exact location of the third position, which was southeast of Flame Mountain.

If they hurried there, it would take them about twenty-five minutes at their current speed.

Soon, the group of four, along with the two magical golems, headed towards the second location.

About ten minutes after Rain's group left, Lambert, wearing a simple linen coat and carrying a greatsword on his back, arrived at the scene.

He first examined the ground, then paused for a moment in thought, and then his gaze rested on the four charred corpses that had been burned by Shadow Devouring Spell.

"No mistake, it's the residual energy of metal magic."

"But these three people seem to be from the Empire, how did they end up in conflict with Rain?"

"And what deep grudge do these people have with Rain that their bodies were completely corrupted by Shadow Arcane Spell?" Lambert wondered, his face filled with confusion.

Lambert could tell that one of the four remains was that of a Cultist Powerhouse, as he could smell the unique scent even though the bodies had been destroyed.

The other three were likely participants in the re-test.

This was getting interesting.

Strangely, all four bodies showed signs of injuries from Metal Magic, indicating that they had all fought with Rain.

Although there were also traces of Shadow Arcane Spell, this only meant that either Rain had an accomplice or that Rain also possessed some Shadow Arcane Spell.

Lambert couldn't quite figure out some of these questions.

However, he closed his eyes to sense the residual energy and also touched the ground with his fingers to gauge the temperature.

"They left about..."

"And there were two Magical Golems."

"They were well-prepared," Lambert said, looking at the large, obvious elliptical footprints on the ground.

After thinking for a moment, Lambert looked in the direction Rain's group had left and quickly chased after them with a swift movement.

Rain's group, after easily dealing with a few scattered violent beasts that blocked their path, smoothly arrived at the third location.

"Lord Rain, this is the place," Captain Baldwin said, looking at the comm link in his hand, and smiled as he turned to Rain.

"Mhm."

"Do you need my help?" Rain nodded.

"No need, I'll take care of the rest. Activating the rift closer won't require too much mental energy," the military commander, Captain Baldwin, waved his hands.

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you," Rain smiled.

"It's no trouble. We have Lord Rain to thank for his help this time," Captain Baldwin said as he quickly opened the box containing the rift closer.

A rectangular device resembling a small engine was taken out by Captain Baldwin.

At the same time, Captain Baldwin took out a crystal emitting strong energy fluctuations from the box and placed it inside the device.

As the crystal was installed, the rift closer flashed with a ring of light and began to slowly float.

After a few seconds, the rift closer seemed to enter another space, becoming semi-transparent.

This scene seemed similar to the 'etherealization' state of the Void Beast, also becoming semi-transparent like jelly.

No, it should be said that it was even more ethereal, as the device had become completely transparent.

The next moment, the device completely disappeared in mid-air.

Hmm?

Upon seeing this, Rain's eyebrows slightly raised.

He carefully sensed the energy again, and Rain confirmed that the rift closer did not release any kind of concealment spell, but had truly disappeared.

It had vanished from this space.

"No wonder, Lieutenant General Tatiya hadn't mentioned what would happen after the setup, as Rain had a faint feeling that the journey of Rain and Captain Baldwin as they embark on their mission, and the secrets that await them in the Dragon Valley Sanctuary.

"Hearing Baldwin's words, Rain was about to ask why Captain Baldwin didn't report, but then he realized.

The other party was taking the initiative to show goodwill, indicating that he had no intention of taking credit.

After a moment's thought, Rain nodded and said, "Good!"

Rain took out a thin sheet and said, "Command Center, this is Rain. Along with Military Commander Baldwin, we have successfully set up the Rift Closer at the third position."

Hmm?

Hearing Rain's words, Baldwin couldn't help but look up at Rain, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He hadn't expected Rain to say that.

It was true that Rain had brought the Rift Closer into the sanctuary, but in reality, the latter half of the escort mission had been primarily completed by Rain.

In fact, if Rain hadn't come to support, not only would the Rift Closer have fallen into the hands of the cult, but Baldwin himself would have perished long ago.

Rain's statement was almost like sharing the credit for setting up the Rift Closer with Baldwin.

This made Baldwin sigh inwardly: "Not only is he strong, but he's also considerate of others. Most importantly, he's so young, it's unbelievable!"

Meanwhile, the Areda Sisters, standing by, glanced at each other and then smiled.

Having traveled together, they naturally knew that their master, Rain, had played a significant role in escorting the Rift Closer.

Following such a humble master was indeed a good thing.

A few seconds later, the deep voice of General Augustus could be heard from the thin sheet: "Received. Thank you both for your hard work."

"You're too kind, General. It's our duty," Rain replied.

After the call ended, Rain turned to Baldwin beside him and smiled: "Since the setup is complete, I need to head to the encirclement point. Captain Baldwin, as for you..."

Rain paused, looking at Baldwin.

Regardless of whether Baldwin, who was still recovering from his injuries, stayed here or accompanied him, there were risks involved.

Therefore, Rain thought it best to leave the decision to Baldwin.

"Lord Rain, I..."

Just as Baldwin was about to say something, Rain's expression turned solemn, and he turned to face the northwest.

Baldwin and the Areda Sisters also tensed up, following Rain's gaze.

A tall figure carrying a greatsword slowly emerged from the forest.

As the person approached, it turned out to be Lambert in a simple linen coat.

"It's you, Lord Rain. I spent quite some time finding you."

"Huh? You have companions too." Lambert surveyed Rain's group and smiled.

"Greetings, Lord Lambert."

"You're looking for me?" Rain nodded in acknowledgment.

"Lord Rain, I'd like to have a match with you," Lambert stated directly.

Rain wasn't surprised by Lambert's response.

"Oh? Just a match? Nothing more?" Rain asked.

"Yes, just a match, but Lord Rain's strength is formidable. I can't hold back, so I suggest we don't hold back during the match, even if it means life or death!"

Hearing this, Rain couldn't help but laugh.

A match to the death was essentially a duel!

Lambert had gone through such a roundabout way, and his true intention was to avoid responsibility.

Lambert wasn't foolish; he knew Rain's current identity as the Empire's Tempered Gold Rank Swordsmaster. Directly attacking him wasn't a wise move, which was why he came up with this strategy.

"Lord Lambert, do you know that Lord Rain is on an important mission for the Empire? Your actions will make you a criminal in the Empire's history," Baldwin, the Military Commander, scolded.

"Oh? And who are you? You seem capable, but you're injured. I won't hold back," Lambert said, glancing at Baldwin and then at Rain.

"You!" Baldwin was momentarily speechless.

He couldn't argue that Lambert's words were unreasonable. If Lambert won, it would prove his strength was greater than Rain's, indicating that he was more suitable to complete the Empire's mission.

There was no issue with that logic.

Meanwhile, the Areda sisters, upon hearing Lambert's words, exchanged a glance, communicating telepathically:

"Sister, this person is so arrogant. I want to test his skills."

"Go ahead, but be careful. He's very strong."

After their discussion, Alida moved slightly, but Lambert immediately noticed. He looked at Alida and smiled at Rain:

"Lord Rain, if you want to fight together, I don't mind."

Rain waved his hand: "I can handle him alone."

"Alida, come back."

Alida glared at Lambert but obeyed Rain's command, flashing back to her sister's side.

"Good, Lord Rain. You didn't disappoint me," Lambert said, taking a step forward and unsheathing the greatsword on his back. He slightly bowed:

"This dual-bladed greatsword has no name. I'm in a hurry, Lord Rain."

Rain's attitude seemed to provoke Lambert.

Suddenly, Lambert vanished from his original spot, only to reappear a few meters in front of Rain.

In the blink of an eye, Rayen's right hand moved like lightning, and he slashed forward. Instantly, eight intersecting silver arcs of light burst forth from Rayen's position.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

At the same moment, eight intense sparks flashed by, their dense, overlapping impacts echoing loudly all around. Lambert, who had once killed a Shadow Vulture with his 'Tide Eight-Segment Slash' during the preliminary trial, had his attack completely blocked by Rayen.

After missing his strike, Lambert returned to his original position.

However, the smile on his face grew even brighter.

"Lord Rayen, I'm increasingly satisfied with your strength."

"Do you know? Although I owe the Dram family a favor, I could have actually refused their request."

"But I feel that Lord Rayen might give me a surprise and help me reach a higher level. Now it seems my instincts were right."

"Lord Rayen, then I shall give it my all." Lambert's smile faded, and he raised his two-meter-long greatsword high, the tip of the sword pointing straight up as if it could pierce the sky.

"Triple Wave Slash!"

With Lambert's roar...

Rayen could feel the other's intense mental surge, accurately imbued with the belief in his sword, channeled into the greatsword.

Suddenly, a sword-shaped energy wave spanned over twenty meters, directly erupting from Lambert's greatsword, and slammed down towards Rayen.

Rayen remained calm, horizontally holding the tempered gold greatsword to block, while his body was covered with the combined witchcraft 'Steel Armor'.

"Clang!!!"

Instantly, three ring-shaped energy waves emanated from the point of their swords' clash, dispersing in all directions. Several tall trees over ten meters away shook violently, many branches broke, and leaves fell to the ground.

The Triple Wave Slash, on the surface, was just one sword imbued with the belief in the sword, but in reality, it was a combination of three swords, hence the appearance of three energy waves.

After executing this strike, Lambert did not continue attacking but instead readjusted his stance, changing from a straddle-legged position to a left-foot-forward, slightly bent posture.

He held his greatsword diagonally upward.

From that previous move, Lambert once again raised his expectations of Rayen's strength.

Being able to block the Triple Wave Slash, which contained the belief in the sword, proved that Rayen's strength was on par with his own.

At this point, relying solely on the belief in the sword and aura emission was not enough.

Force power had to be incorporated, and only a three-in-one combination would suffice.

In simpler terms, it required close-quarters combat!

At the same time, in the command hall on the second floor of the Astral Mage Platform in the Imperial City of Tamriel.

Marshal Alfred and the others were busy monitoring various situations occurring within the sanctuary at that moment.

"Not good, Captain Agripa has sent a message. His squad encountered a legendary powerhouse from the Plague Cult, and although they repelled the enemy, two team members were infected by the Soul Devouring Plague."

Tatiya looked at the comm link, her expression changing as she reported.

"Is there a problem with the rift closer?" General Augustus asked first.

"The rift closer is functioning, and Lieutenant General Tatiya can reach the second position immediately. But the current issue is the squad's damaged combat strength. If we send them to surround that person later, there might be some problems."

Tatiya added.

At this moment, the comm link in Tatiya's hand vibrated again.

She glanced down and frowned, saying, "Captain Baldwin has sent a message. Lord Rayen is being blocked by Lambert, the Grand Disciple of the Tide Sword Saint, and says he wants to force a trial of strength."

Lambert, she had heard of him.

As the Grand Disciple of the Tide Sword Saint, his strength was undoubtedly exceptional.

His original title was 'Tide Sword Master', and from this title, it was clear that he had undoubtedly obtained the true teachings of the Tide Sword Saint.

But in the past two years, the title 'Tide Sword Master' had gradually faded, and most people now referred to Lambert as the 'Quasi-Sword Saint'.

To be called a 'Quasi-Sword Saint', his swordsmanship must have reached a certain threshold, and he only needed to cross it to attain the realm of the Sword Saint.

"Nonsense!"

"Right now, every bit of the Empire's strength is precious. This Lambert..."

Hearing this news, General Augustus was clearly infuriated.

Meanwhile, the Grand Astral Wizard Dalian, after hearing Tatiya's report, silently chanted a spell, and on his own initiative, displayed Rayen's current situation right in the middle of the command hall on the elliptical stone platform.

Apparently, Rayen's repeated interventions had also piqued the Grand Astral Wizard Dalian's interest.

As the image appeared, everyone in the hall turned to look.

However, at this moment, the image showed no sign of Rayen and Lambert, but instead, the watching Areda sisters and Captain Baldwin were clearly visible.

This strange scene naturally caused Tatiya's eyes to fill with doubt.

Could it be that Grand Astral Wizard Dalian's astrology had failed to lock onto Lord Rayen? "Their speed is too fast." Marshal Alfred spoke in a low voice.

Tatiya took a closer look and saw that in the center of the image, large trees, like cut wheat, were falling over, and two blurry figures occasionally appeared, only to quickly disappear again.

"Although it's hard to see their figures, the intense sparks during their clashes allow us to barely capture their silhouettes."

Compared to those in the command hall, the Areda sisters, who were at the scene, had a better understanding of the two's strength.

"Sister, this guy's swordplay is truly the best I've ever seen. Do you think Lord Rayen can win?" Sister Alida voiced her concern for the first time.

"I believe Lord Rayen can win." Sister Areda nodded.

At this moment, the situation in the center of the field changed!

"Shadow Clone Slash!"

Lambert roared, and his figure suddenly appeared in mid-air, clearly visible! The next moment, his arms swelled, his clothes ripped, and eight different shadow clones in various slashing postures began jumping down one after another towards Rayen's position!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end