Chapter 417: The Link Talent
Xiao Ze felt the energy contained within the Rock Demon Core as a golden tree root pierced it, absorbing all the energy. However, after absorbing the core's energy, Xiao Ze frowned slightly because it had almost no effect on him. The energy wasn't significant enough to improve his physique, which had already reached a very high level.
"My physique has reached such a level that even Rock Demons at the Dou Zun level might not enhance it further. Only the top-tier Rock Demon Cores might help," Xiao Ze thought. Confirming the Rock Demon Core's limited usefulness, he decided it was more worthwhile to collect them for Xun'er and the others.
"Brother Xiao Ze, it seems you've already encountered a Rock Demon," Xun'er said as she arrived first, golden flames flickering in her eyes. Although Xun'er had been the furthest in Xiao Ze's perception, she arrived first, indicating her body technique was top-notch among the group.
Xiao Ze patted his hands, dispersing the Rock Demon Core's powder, "As expected, the Rock Demon Core doesn't significantly enhance me."
"Brother Xiao Ze, your physique is probably stronger than Ziyan's now," Xun'er remarked, understanding how difficult it was to enhance one's physical strength to such a high level.
Seizing the moment, Xiao Ze handed Xun'er a vial of ancient dragon blood. "This is the inherited blood essence of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. You haven't been by my side much these years, so what Little Doctor Fairy and Medusa have, you should also have."
Xun'er initially hesitated to accept it, but upon hearing Xiao Ze's reasoning, she took the jade bottle. "Brother Xiao Ze, you're quite fair in this regard," Xun'er said, implying more than she was saying.
Xiao Ze coughed lightly, choosing not to delve into that topic. Seeing Xun'er accept the ancient dragon blood, he felt relieved. Although the dragon blood could enhance his physique, the benefits he received through Xun'er's tenfold feedback were even greater. As he was close to reaching the peak of Nine-Turn Dou Zun, one step away from Dou Sheng, the accumulated tenfold feedback was crucial for the breakthrough.
As they chatted, Little Doctor Fairy, Medusa, and Qinglin arrived. Seeing the Rock Demon's corpse, they were not surprised, indicating they had also encountered Rock Demons on their way.
"Rock Demon Realm is vast. We are likely at the outskirts, where Rock Demons are sparse and usually alone. As we move towards the center, their numbers will increase, and they will become harder to deal with due to a unique racial talent," Xun'er explained.
"Their Link Talent allows Rock Demons standing on this black soil to link with each other, significantly enhancing their strength," she added.
Xiao Ze showed interest in the Link Talent, while Little Doctor Fairy and Medusa looked more concerned.
"Is this black soil not naturally formed?" Xiao Ze asked, noting the oddity in Xun'er's description.
"Correct. The energy from Rock Demons corrupts the soil, making it uninhabitable for other life forms. This is why they are called Rock Demons, for their ability to corrupt and dominate the land like demons," Xun'er explained.
Everyone nodded in understanding. The Rock Demons' Link Talent and corruption ability made them formidable.
"Perhaps due to these abilities, the Rock Demons have low intelligence. If they had human-like intelligence along with their abilities, they would have broken out of the Rock Demon Realm long ago," Xun'er continued.
The group agreed, realizing the implications of the Rock Demons' abilities. Xiao Ze suggested they head towards the center of the realm to hunt stronger Rock Demons.
"Alright," they agreed. As they proceeded, they noticed the Rock Demons' Link Talent in action, making even Dou Zong-level Rock Demons exhibit Dou Zun-level strength when linked. This talent, akin to a powerful joint combat technique, made the Rock Demons formidable.
The group landed on a mountain peak, overlooking the black, eerie landscape ahead. They sensed the presence of several Dou Zun-level Rock Demons in the distant Rock Demon settlement.
"From here on, we're entering the central area where Rock Demons are not only more numerous but also at the Dou Zun level," Xun'er warned.
"Does that mean there are Dou Sheng-level Rock Demons in the core area?" Little Doctor Fairy asked, concerned.
"Not quite. For some reason, it's extremely rare for Rock Demons to reach Dou Sheng. Since being moved to the Stone Realm, there has only been one Dou Sheng-level Rock Demon," Xun'er explained.
"That Rock Demon led to a great battle with the Stone Clan after breaking through the Rock Demon Realm. Fortunately, the corruption ability didn't affect the ring-shaped mountain range, limiting their Link Talent. The Stone Clan, led by their patriarch, eventually killed the Dou Sheng-level Rock Demon, but at great cost. This prompted the Stone Clan to reinforce the mountain range with sealing arrays to prevent future breakouts," Xun'er continued.
Hearing this, the group grew more wary of the Rock Demons. The Stone Clan's significant losses against the Rock Demons highlighted the need for the regular Rock Demon Hunts to control their population. The hunts provided training grounds for warriors while helping the Stone Clan manage the Rock Demon threat.
(End of the chapter)