Chapter 274 - Ancient Runes
Chapter 274: Ancient Runes
The [Soul Shackles] that Manu cast on Chen Rui was a mutated [Soul Channel]. Although it had the usual function of the [Soul Shackles] that could kill remotely or torture the subject through soul, it also had the ability to share ability and damage. It was similar to the spiritual link reinforcement that Chen Rui didn’t have the authority to use yet.
[Soul Shackles] was one of the strongest control methods in the Demon Realm as it was very stubborn. Even if the subject died, the power of the shackles would take three days to completely dissipate from the body. Unless the caster was killed or it was voluntarily released by the caster, there was basically no other way to deal with it. Therefore, Manu wasn’t worried.
It was just that even someone like Manu, who had rich knowledge and experience, didn’t know that the bizarre existence of the Super System in the Demon Realm. Also, this seemingly controlled Demon King “weakling” could actually easily cancel or disconnect the control of [Soul Shackles]!
Most of the power shared by [Soul Shackles] hadn’t been digested yet. Besides, Chen Rui definitely wouldn’t sign a master-servant contract with Jacob. At the moment, he said multiple excuses like the defect in his soul would affect his advancement to grandmaster. However, he didn’t give a direct answer. Instead, he faintly revealed that he would defect to the crystal dragon after reaching grandmaster.
Jacob thought about it for a while. At present, this genius is only a master. His true value lies in his grandmaster’s potential. If I recruit him after he becomes a grandmaster, the benefits is definitely different. He nodded immediately, “Okay. That’s it. When you become a grandmaster, I’ll make Manu remove the [Soul Shackles] even if it means I’ll turn my face with him. However, as a grandmaster, the master-servant contract is a little disrespectful. At that time, I’ll give you an equal contract! Until then, I’ll provide master with all the necessary conditions!”
Chen Rui looked surprised. He immediately agreed and swore with the name of Arthur. Actually, he understood that the credibility of Jacob’s words wasn’t high and the real purpose was to win him over in advance. Once he really became a grandmaster, Jacob would definitely use other methods to control him. However, he didn’t come to the Crystal Valley to become a grandmaster. Whatever it was, his current stall tactics had been successful.
Jacob felt that the conditions he had given were already good enough. Certainly, he received Chen Rui’s affirmative answer and oath. He nodded in satisfaction and began to answer Chen Rui’s question, “Since you’ve promised, then I’ll no longer hide from master. I’m a crystal dragon. There is a large crystal vein under the Crystal Valley. This spring water is the Fountain of Resurrection which can restore spirit and stamina at the same time. The role of the magic circle is to use the Fountain of Resurrection to turn the crystals in the vein into recovery and healing power that will heal my injuries.”
Fountain of Resurrection and crystal vein? Chen Rui was secretly surprised. The information from the Mechanic Alliance once mentioned that the Fountain of Resurrection was a higher grade natural resource as compared to the Fountain of Life and Fountain of Vitality, and it was extremely rare. Not only could it recover energy and stamina, but it could also help the growth of strength. It was also rumored to be a rare compulsory material to make Resurrection Potion.
Crystal was the universal currency in the Demon Realm which was divided into high, middle and low grades according to the purity after refinement. The middle and low grades were used as currency, which were the black, purple and white crystal coins; High grades crystals were priceless materials like gold crystal and blood crystal.
The crystal veins symbolized huge wealth. Usually, after being discovered, it’d definitely be firmly controlled by the empire in which it was located. Now that the crystal dragon said that there was a “large” crystal vein underground, and the fact that crystal veins were often accompanied by a variety of precious magic materials. It was was at least equivalent to the value of dozens high-purity gold mines on Earth.
If the crystal vein shocked Chen Rui, then Jacob’s subsequent words had astonished him, “You guessed it right. Many of the complicated magic circles around this pit are Dragon Inscriptions, but the true core is those six marks. These six marks are ancient runes!”
Ancient runes!
The seal on Paglio is exactly these ancient runes!
Due to this seal, the poison dragon, Paglio can’t restore his Demon Overlord strength. Unexpectedly, there are ancient runes in the hands of the poison dragon’s enemy, the crystal dragon!
In other words, the fifth floor of the ancient magic tower was sealed by the power of ancient runes? What’s there on the fifth floor?
Seeing Chen Rui’s shocked expression, the crystal dragon raised his eyebrows slightly, “You even know the ancient runes?”
Chen Rui nodded and said, “I’ve seen the relevant records in the Mechanic Alliance. The last mechanic grandmaster, the dark goblin, Lolo, is proficient in ancient runes. However, he never recruited any disciple in his life. Thus, the knowledge of ancient runes was lost after he died. I wonder if the ancient runes have anything to do with the grandmaster’s mechanics. Sir, please teach me the knowledge of ancient runes”
“Unfortunately, I don’t understand ancient runes.” Jacob shook his head, “The ancient rune is called the God’s language and it’s broad and profound. These six ancient runes are extraordinary. They are part of a complete series of ancient rune stone slabs that I snatched from a rival. Although I don’t understand the meaning of these six runes, I found that it can be used in this recovery magic circle after many trials. It can speed up the progress of my recovery. Unfortunately, it can only be used once every seven days.”
It turned out that these six stone slabs were only part of a complete “article”. The so-called “rival” that Jacob mentioned must be the fairy dragon, Laura who was proficient in ancient runes. This might also be the root of the grudge between the two dragons.
“I understand now. The legendary crystal dragon is immune to all magic, so those recovery magic items or potions have no effect on you. You can only use the magic circle to rely on extracting the crystals in veins to heal your injuries.” Chen Rui took a look at the magic circle calmly, “It’s just that these magic circles are too complicated. With my current understanding, I can only understand a part of them. If they’re easily changed without fully understanding, it may bring unpredictable consequences. So, I plan to copy it down and then take it back to study and experiment carefully. Once there’s a result, I’ll report it to sir immediately. As for the Dragon Inscription, I hope sir don’t mind giving me some guidance.”
“You’re truly an extraordinary genius for being able to understand a part of it in such a short time. As for the Dragon Inscription, master can rest assure… you can study this magic circle at any time! If master can really improve this magic circle by making it more effective, I’ll have more rewards for you.”
The crystal dragon was very satisfied with Chen Rui’s performance, but he didn’t know that this guy was actually thinking about how to modify his magic circle to make his injuries worse. I need to take these 6 stone slabs and the Fountain of Resurrection with me at the very least.
He definitely wouldn’t miss out on the rewards, but he couldn’t mess up the plan because of that. At present, he had to further gain the trust of the crystal dragon and Manu. The Crystal Valley had at least three chiefs, and their strength had reached Demon Overlord that could easily kill him. Regardless of the cruel, violent father, Azgalor that Fatilu mentioned or the nasty-nice old fox, Manu, both of them were extremely horrifying. Even the seemingly speculative crystal dragon in front of him was a moody man. If he was a little careless, he might be killed.
Even if his identity as an undercover wasn’t exposed, every step was like walking on thin ice.
However, to a certain extent, danger was also synonymous with opportunity. The huge crystal veins underground alone could bring great wealth; while the Illusive Demon Shield (it was actually just the Demon Shield) that Manu promised should arrive in a few days…
Chen Rui left the “Crystal Lair”, which was named by Jacob and came to the Nightmare Valley that Manu mentioned. After enjoying the fine wine and food, Manu briefly introduced him to the Crystal Valley.
The Crystal Valley was actually a secret location with a vast area in the Black Iron mountain range. It was currently divided into three forces, Nightmare Valley, Crystal Lair and Devouring Hall, each with its own independent area. They were owned by Manu Leviathan, the crystal dragon and Azgalor Beelzebub respectively. Other than the crystal dragon, Manu and Azgalor didn’t usually stay here. For example, Azgalor wasn’t in the Crystal Valley now.
Other than several forbidden areas such as the crystal dragon’s magic circle, with the badge given by Manu, Chen Rui could roam freely within the valley. He could also get unconditional assistance from the guards. Certainly, the crystal guards were an exception as they were puppets that could only be controlled by the crystal dragon.
There should be a friendly and cooperative relationship under common interests among the three major forces and it was unknown whether there was a mastermind higher up.
Judging from the current force, it was already terrifying enough. Three Demon Overlords, among which Jacob was able to be evenly-matched with Paglio. The magic item given by Christina could only provide a location, and it would become a signal flare when launched in the end. It wasn’t like a mobile phone that allowed communication. This time, it really depended on the means and strength of the Demon Realm’s top sage, Empress Catherine.
Although Sabrina was Manu’s niece, she was also Azgalor’s wife. Therefore, Fatilu and her weren’t in the Nightmare Valley, but were resting in the Devouring Hall. Compared with the crystal dragon’s faction, Azgalor was obviously closer to Manu. Chen Rui was already considered to be in Manu’s faction, so his workshop and resting place were arranged in the Nightmare Valley.
There were several other masters in the Crystal Valley. Some of them were mechanic masters while others were potion masters. They were responsible for manufacturing matters. Yet, these masters rarely show up usually. Perhaps they were immersed in some kind of experiment.
If he analyzed carefully, there were many factors that he could make use of. However, it was Fatilu’s first time coming here, so he obviously couldn’t obtain more information. Therefore, the most important thing for Chen Rui was to integrate into this strange place. After mastering the overall situation, he would try to proceed with his temporary plans.
With a workshop, it meant that he had his independent space. After running around for so long, he could finally settle down. Mechanics was just a disguise. The more important thing was his training in strength.
With the strength of an Early Great Demon King, he might exceed the realm to challenge the middle stage or the peak of the Great Demon King. If he was outside, he could be considered as a powerhouse. However, in this Crystal Valley, there were already three people that could eliminate him with one finger. Even if Sabrina was likely to have entered the Demon Emperor-level. Perhaps there were also other Demon Emperor powerhouses in this valley. These people definitely belonged to the true powerhouses in the Demon Realm. No wonder they had such a big conspiracy.
Whether it was for himself or someone he wanted to protect, he must become stronger. He had two goals currently. The first was to completely digest the power from Manu; the second was to understand the training of Migrez step by step, which was the power of the “world” or the power of territory.
Then, he must try something that had an expiring date soon – the realm king fruit.
Another type of fountain? Wasn’t that Chen Rui can exchange resurrection potion from the Super System? Does he still need it?