Chapter 100: The 118 Blood Crystal Purple Bat!

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The rocky wall below was successfully shattered by Ma Lie and Ma Li.
“Broken,” Ma Li said.
Rocks fell from above onto the ground below. The impact was so strong that every rock within a meter of the impact zone cracked one after another, eventually all collapsing together.
“Be careful,” Ma Lie warned.
Their Dou Qi Wings hovered in midair, only advancing once the rocks had completely shattered.
The two exchanged a glance. Ma Lie said, “Let’s go. I want to see what kind of formidable opponent awaits.”
“Alright,” Ma Li nodded, and the pair flew downward into the cave below.
Inside, there was nothing but rocky walls—huge, slightly pale stones, with absolutely nothing else around.
“This…” Ma Lie landed and looked around, disbelief in his voice.
Ma Li followed, frowning. “What is this? It’s just rocks everywhere—feels like…”
“A sea of rocks!” they said in unison, locking eyes.
“I don’t believe it’s this simple. Since the hall leader sent us here, this place must hide something beyond our imagination. Maybe the spot we’re standing on is just the edge of some ancient overlord’s tomb. I refuse to believe there aren’t other passages or traps. Let’s split up and search. If you find anything suspicious, unnatural, or unusual, report to me immediately!” Ma Lie stepped forward, scanning the rocky surroundings as he spoke to Ma Li.
“Got it!” Ma Li nodded. Neither of them believed it was just a simple rock sea.
This mission wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought. But the first task could not fail! Both thought simultaneously.
They inspected every corner, scrutinizing every suspicious, unusual, or unnatural spot, searching throughout the entire night.

———

The night passed in the blink of an eye.

At dawn, inside a high-end room tucked away in the corner of a corridor at the Alchemist Guild, Qian Mo slowly opened her eyes, which slitted open like a seam being unstitched. Sunshine streamed through the transparent window, shining directly on her face.
“Ahhh!~” she stretched luxuriously and exclaimed, “Refreshing!”
Throwing off the blanket, she got out of bed, washed up, looked up at the sky, and said, “What a beautiful day. I really like this sunlight! Ma Lie and the others have already arrived. Heh, take your time; there are many challenges inside. Powerful souls abound, and the hidden magical beasts deep within are nothing like those outside. The final trial will be a huge challenge for them. They must savor it—greater danger means greater rewards, more treasures. Risk and chance go hand in hand.”
After speaking, she dried her face and headed to Frank’s room. It was time to say goodbye. Just as she raised her hand to knock, the door opened. They looked at each other. Frank was surprised: “Elder Mo? You haven’t left yet?”
“I’m about to. Came to say goodbye first,” Qian Mo smiled.
“Is that so? I wonder when I’ll see you again,” Frank said with some reluctance.
“Two years, I guess. But if you ever go out to play, you might run into me,” she replied.
“Alright, I look forward to our next meeting. Elder Mo, what surprises will you bring me then?” Frank laughed heartily.
“Haha, President Frank, the surprises will definitely be beyond your expectations—hundreds of surprises! Farewell!” Qian Mo laughed and bowed.
“Haha, farewell!” Frank bowed in return.
After their words, Qian Mo’s figure flickered and vanished before Frank’s eyes.
“What a mysterious and unpredictable young person. I’m truly looking forward to what surprises he’ll bring next time,” Frank murmured, watching her disappear as he stepped outside and gazed at the horizon.

Flying slowly high above, Qian Mo recalled a snippet from the Dou Qi Continent saga. She remembered that Blackrock City supposedly had flying ships going to the Tagore Desert, involving Medusa, the Ice Emperor Haibodong, and the Azure Lotus Corefire.
“Flying ship? Tagore Desert? Medusa? Ice Emperor Haibodong? Azure Lotus Corefire?” She sifted through memories and uncovered many key plot points.
“This is a minor side quest. Maybe I should check it out—there might be a good show,” Qian Mo’s smile turned sly and more vivid.
“Hmm, let’s go see this so-called flying ship the empire provides. Don’t let me down, young master Qian! Damn, I should have asked old Frank about the ship before leaving. Whatever, I’ll check the map.”
She tapped her head, activating her mind’s eye, revealing a familiar map—the comprehensive map of Dou Qi Continent.
Qian Mo scanned carefully and spotted an image labeled “Central Continent Module,” muttering, “Central Continent? Ancient Eight Clans?”
She licked her lips. “Not long now. You ancient Eight Clans, the beast clans, those valleys—I, Qian Mo, will soon pay you a visit. Hope your treasures won’t disappoint me.” A more cunning smile spread across her face.
The scene shifted to a distribution map of alchemist guild branches. Flying ships, flying ships… where were they? She carefully searched, finally spotting a ship icon labeled “Flying Bird Vessel.”
“Flying Bird Vessel? Why did they come up with such a great name? Why don’t we just call it ‘Fly to the Sky’?” Qian Mo grumbled, feeling restless. “I must avenge the flying ship of my past life. This ship looks so good. Since it’s called Flying Bird Vessel, the name almost kills it… ship.”
She closed the map and returned to the world outside, transforming and flying toward the Flying Bird Vessel’s location. This place was built at a high altitude.
Arriving, she landed and looked around. “There are quite a few people here.”
She approached the city gate. The guards blocked her way, shouting, “Those entering the city must present royal or alchemist identification!”
“What’s royal or alchemist identification?” Qian Mo blinked.
“Royal identification means a recommendation letter. Alchemist identification naturally means an alchemist badge!” The guard frowned, eyeing her disdainfully from head to toe. He looked at her pale face, saw no alchemist badge on her chest, and assumed she must have a royal recommendation letter—or else, just a clueless brat!
“Show your royal recommendation letter,” the guard demanded.
Qian Mo was baffled. Why couldn’t she be an alchemist? Did he dislike that she looked better than him? Judging by his little eyes, he was clearly jealous. She crossed her arms behind her back and said, “I don’t have any royal recommendation letter.” She shook her head.
The guard frowned, sneering, “Then get lost.” He wasn’t afraid of a mere commoner who acted so arrogantly. Little did he realize he had provoked a powerful being who could wipe out the royal family with a mere wave of a hand.
Hearing the guard’s words, Qian Mo raised an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes sharply. “Oh, really? Someone dares talk to me like that? How bold.” A chill shot into the guard’s brow.
“Ah!” The guard screamed, clutching his body and trembling.
His scream drew the attention of passersby. Another guard grabbed a stone from the door and called for the city lord, then rallied the troops to surround Qian Mo.
“How dare you attack our guard! Seize him!”
“Heh, do you even know what you’re saying? Who here saw me make a move?” Qian Mo spread her hands, addressing the guards.

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The guards hesitated and stepped back, wary of hidden weapons. Seeing their cowardice, Qian Mo sneered. If you’re so timid, don’t come stirring trouble!
“Nonsense! You’re the only one talking to the Alpha Squad here. Who else but you could have done it? Seize him!” The lead guard sneered and waved for his men to charge.
“Xuan Strike Palm!” they shouted together.
Qian Mo snorted coldly, her voice icy, “Defying superiors? I guess you want a cycle of reincarnation, then.” Raising her hand, she waved lightly.
“Heh! What a trick!” the lead guard sneered, unaware of his folly.
Bang! At the spot where Qian Mo’s hand swept, the guards all collapsed.
Before they could react, Qian Mo raised her hand again, and the guards were hurled high into the air.
“Ahhh!”
Their eyes turned bloodshot with panic.
“Exterminate!” Qian Mo clenched her fist and said calmly.
Boom!
Several bodies exploded midair, blood splattering and whipped away by the cold wind.
The crowd around gasped, eyes wide.
“Why so noisy?!” a stern voice boomed. “Where are the guards? Guards, report!”
Looking around, only a figure in a white robe stood calmly, as if nothing had happened. Qian Mo walked into the city.
“Where are my guards?” the voice demanded again.
A trembling subordinate stammered, “City… city lord, the guards were… were all killed by that young man!” He pointed at Qian Mo.
“What?!” The city lord refused to believe it, glaring angrily at Qian Mo. “Did you kill my guards?”
“Just ants. Kill them or not, what’s the difference? And defying superiors—shouldn’t they be punished?” Qian Mo walked in slowly.
“Hahaha! Defying superiors, eh? I want to ask you, young one, where did you get the courage to say that?” The city lord laughed cruelly.
“Courage?” Qian Mo flipped her hand, revealing a badge. She smiled faintly and tossed it to him. “Does this prove enough courage?”
“Hmph! How dare you be so arrogant!” The city lord caught the badge and opened it, his face instantly changing. The badge was an alchemist’s badge with six lit stars. Everyone on Dou Qi Continent knew what this meant. His voice trembled: “Sixth-grade alchemist!”
“What does a sixth-grade alchemist mean, city lord? You should know better than this little brat,” Qian Mo feigned ignorance, emphasizing “little brat.”
Terrified, the city lord dismounted his horse and knelt, face pale. “My lord, I was wrong. I underestimated you. I deserve death!” He slapped his own face, begging desperately. Offending a sixth-grade alchemist was a grave crime.
“Now do you think I’d kill your guards for no reason?” Qian Mo asked calmly.
“No, no, those bastards deserved it! You’re right, my lord!” The city lord shook his head frantically and looked at Qian Mo in fear.
“I just want to take a ride on your flying bird, not stir trouble. Your guards were rude, so I killed them. What happens next is up to you. I’m heading to the Tagore Desert. Your flying bird—you should call it a flying ship.”
“Flying ship? Flying ship? That sounds better than flying bird. Thank you for the name, my lord,” the city lord muttered.
“Get up. Prepare a flying ship for me to the Tagore Desert. I’m leaving soon.” Qian Mo glanced over.
Relieved, the city lord hurriedly rose. Nobody wants to die. “Yes, my lord. I’ll arrange the best flying bird… flying ship for you.”
“Mm,” Qian Mo nodded.
“Disperse! There’s nothing to see here!” The city lord shouted at the onlookers to chase them away. His disgrace had just been witnessed.
Then he rubbed his hands and said, “My lord, the flying ship takes some time to prepare. If you don’t mind, come to my manor and rest awhile.”
“The city lord’s manor?” Qian Mo repeated.
“Yes, yes, the city lord’s manor. May I ask, my lord…?”
“Lead the way,” Qian Mo said coolly, gesturing for him to lead. The city lord understood and walked ahead, clearing their path.
There were no obstacles along the way. Qian Mo saw several large ship hulls—about five, as far as she could tell. Whether there were others, she didn’t care.
She asked, “Are these flying ships powered by Dou Qi?”
The city lord replied after a moment’s pause, “Yes, my lord. Our flying ships fly by infusing Dou Qi into the propulsion system. But Dou Qi isn’t the only power source; magical beast cores can also provide energy.”
“Magical beast cores?” Qian Mo asked.
“Yes, my lord.”
“I see.” Qian Mo nodded, thinking, No wonder. There’s hardly enough Dou Qi to get a ship all the way to the Tagore Desert. It would have run out long ago.
Following the city lord’s steps, Qian Mo entered a guest room. She looked around and thought it was quite decent.
“Is this place satisfactory?” the city lord asked, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
She sat and took it in, then said slowly, “Yes, it’s good. You may get busy now. Hurry up—I’m eager to ride the flying ship.”
Pleased, the city lord breathed a sigh of relief. Getting on good terms with a sixth-grade alchemist was worth everything. “Yes, my lord. I’ll prepare the best flying ship to the Tagore Desert right away.”
“Alright, go,” she waved dismissal.

———

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Below the rocks, Ma Lie and Ma Li were panting heavily, their stamina drained. They had successfully found what seemed to be a passage—a stone wall that was likely a route—on the first rocky layer. Together, they smashed through it. Where they were now, and what awaited them, remained unknown.
At the second trial, they arrived at a massive stone door. Seeing yet another stone wall, Ma Lie cursed, “Damn it, more rocks!” He yelled and kicked the door hard.
Bang!
The stone door and surrounding walls trembled violently—not just once, but continuously. Ma Lie stared around in shock and said to Ma Li, “What’s going on?”
The whole area shook violently. Ma Li scolded Ma Lie, “What do you expect? You kicked it so hard! How should I know what’s happening? Let’s get off the ground and fly up.” She activated her Dou Qi Wings and flew into the air.
“Yeah, you’re right,” Ma Lie awkwardly scratched his nose and also took to the air.
Suddenly, an unknown sound echoed through the cave.
“Ma Li, what’s that noise?” Ma Lie looked at her.
Ma Li frowned, eyes narrowed, scanning the rocky cave. Quietly, she said, “We might be in trouble. Your kick woke up the sleeping bats—a whole swarm.”
“Bats? So what, kill them and we’re done? What’s the big deal?” Ma Lie waved dismissively.
“Heh, this is the place the hall leader sent us. Do you think he’d pick some boring spot? Think carefully. I’ve seen these bats in the simulation space; they’re called Blood Crystal Purple Bats. Their wings are as hard as these rocks, and the scariest thing is they strengthen themselves by absorbing their enemies’ blood. Even worse, they live in groups, never alone. Usually a swarm has at least three to five hundred!”
“What?! Three to five hundred?! That’s insane! Is this some kind of sick joke? How are we supposed to survive?!” Ma Lie’s scalp tingled in fear. Three to five hundred bats, each as tough as stone? “We’re doomed!” he shouted.
“We need to leave while we still can. These Blood Crystal Purple Bats are the biggest threat here,” Ma Li said, preparing to fly back the way they came. But her face quickly changed. The entrance they just came through had vanished!
“Move! What are you standing there for?” Ma Lie shouted, following her closely.
“The entrance… it’s gone,” Ma Li pointed ahead.
“No way! This is a trap! We can’t even pass the second trial, and who knows what else is inside?” Ma Lie held his head despairingly.
“If it’s this bad already, it’ll only get worse,” Ma Li said bitterly.
“Enough talk. No point complaining. We have to fight,” Ma Lie turned to her. “You’ve been in the simulation space longer. Do these bats have weaknesses or fears?”
“Fire. These bats fear fire, but it has to be very hot fire. That’s what my instructor told me.” Ma Li recalled.
“Fire?” Ma Lie’s eyes lit up. “Perfect! My Flame Wheel Rod produces fire, and the temperature is definitely high. Besides, we have strong bodies through our physical training. If we can’t win, we can train and try again.” He suddenly remembered and clenched his fists triumphantly.
“Right, why didn’t I think of that? Then we don’t need to worry.” Ma Li nodded.
As the shaking intensified, the sleeping bats opened their red eyes—above them a sea of glowing red, each bat staring at Ma Lie and Ma Li like they were delicious prey. Green saliva dripped from their mouths.
“So many!” Ma Lie ground his teeth.
A large bat led the swarm, its body big with purple crystal-like growths on its back and wings.
“That’s definitely a Blood Crystal Purple Bat,” Ma Li said with a shudder, recalling how badly they were mauled by these bats in the simulation, blood everywhere.
As the leader emerged, the rest of the bats followed from the small caves, flanking it like brothers.
“That one must be the alpha,” Ma Li observed.
“If we kill the alpha, will the others stop attacking?” Ma Lie asked, curious, planning to take down the leader first.
“No. Even if the alpha dies, the bats only attack more fiercely. They won’t give up,” Ma Li said shaking her head.
“In that case, kill them all!” Ma Lie summoned his Flame Wheel Rod, radiating Dou Qi battle energy without holding back. There were only two of them against a swarm of bats—they had to end this quickly.
“Huo!!”
The alpha bat let out a proud cry, and the swarm charged at Ma Lie and Ma Li with full force.
“Left flank’s mine, you take right! Fight!” Ma Lie shouted and swung his rod upward.
“Flame Wheel Rod, Great Blaze!” Flames rolled up the length of the rod, engulfing it in fiery red.
“Don’t test me! I’ll let you taste my roasting!” Ma Lie bellowed, striking forward.
The bats attacking him felt the intense heat and scrambled back, but it was too late—the flames swept over their bodies.
Roar, roar, roar!!
The swarm screamed in agony.

(End of chapter)