Chapter 424: Refining the Rock Demon Heart
The power of lightning ravaged the area, creating a scene reminiscent of the Void Thunder Pool, albeit on a much smaller scale. Compared to the Void Thunder Pool, which could nurture the Nine Mysterious Gold Lightning, the miniature thunder pool Xiao Ze created seemed insignificant. However, when measured against the peak Dou Zun-level Rock Demons, it was overwhelmingly powerful.
Xiao Ze's formidable soul power scanned the surroundings, ensuring no other enemies were present. Once assured, he turned his attention to the lightning-filled world he had created.
"I hope that one day, this world of lightning will turn from silver to gold. Then, even high-star Dou Shengs would fall here," Xiao Ze mused, shaking his head. Such a day was far off. His current lightning power couldn't even compare to Black Demon Lightning, let alone the Nine Mysterious Gold Lightning. Moreover, controlling power beyond one's capability was difficult. He could currently control the lightning world he created with ease.
The previously destructive lightning now gently lifted each Rock Demon core, revealing an unexpected gentleness. If Gu Qingyang and his team saw this, they would be stunned. Was this the same violent lightning from before?
In Xiao Ze's control, the Rock Demon cores floated toward him. "Six nine-star Rock Demon cores... The Rock Demons in the core area are truly impressive. But this power comes at a cost: limited intelligence and difficulty breaking through to the Dou Sheng level," Xiao Ze remarked, counting the cores.
After dealing with the immediate threats, Xiao Ze examined the red heart closely. His eyebrows twitched as he noticed similarities between the heart and the Rock Demon cores. Summoning a nine-star Rock Demon core, he observed its nine blood-red lines, indicating its rarity.
"It feels like this red heart is just a Rock Demon core covered in blood-red lines," he speculated. Despite his limited knowledge of Rock Demons, Xiao Ze recognized the heart's value. "I'll refine it later with other ingredients and check for any hidden dangers."
He created a golden, rune-engraved wooden box using a golden root from the Primordial Tree and placed the red heart inside. The box effectively sealed away the heart's strange aura, making it undetectable.
Satisfied with his bounty, Xiao Ze stored the Rock Demon cores and noted the significant gains from this expedition. The nine-star Rock Demon cores alone would have taken a long time to accumulate without the red heart to attract the Rock Demons.
"Xiao Ze!" Xun'er called out, her eyes brightening upon seeing him. She smiled radiantly and hurried over.
"It looks like your strength has improved again," Xiao Ze observed, sensing a change in her aura and congratulating her.
"Yes, this trip to the Rock Demon realm has been fruitful. I'm satisfied with my progress. Even if we encounter danger and have to leave, I have no regrets," Xun'er said, nodding. She understood their success was due to their powerful team, allowing them to hunt many strong Rock Demons. Ordinary teams would have been chased around, barely surviving, or worse, killed before using their space stones to escape.
"Xiao Ze, what happened?" Xun'er asked, sensing something had transpired.
"I sensed a battle nearby and went to investigate. It was Gu Qingyang and his team," Xiao Ze explained.
"Brother Qingyang?" Xun'er said, puzzled. Medusa, Xiao Yixian, and Qing Lin also awakened.
"Now that everyone is awake, let me explain what happened," Xiao Ze said, gathering them. He briefly recounted his encounter.
Though the women were accustomed to Xiao Ze's strength, they were still amazed that he had effortlessly defeated several peak Dou Zun-level Rock Demons, including six at the pinnacle of Dou Zun.
Xiao Ze laid out his spoils. Seeing the six nine-star Rock Demon cores, the women's eyes widened. "Compared to this treasure, these cores are minor," Xiao Ze said, opening the wooden box. The strange energy emanating from the red heart drew their astonished gazes.
"I suspect this is a Rock Demon treasure, potentially key to their advancement to Dou Sheng. I'll refine it and remove any dangers before deciding who gets it," Xiao Ze said. He hesitated briefly before Xiao Yixian interjected.
"Xiao Ze, give it to Xun'er. I've received many treasures while by your side. Xun'er has just returned and hasn't received much. Don't play favorites," Xiao Yixian said with a smile. Qing Lin nodded in agreement, and even the usually reserved Medusa spoke up.
"I'm a magical beast with a strong body. It won't benefit me as much as others," Medusa said.
Xun'er felt a warm gratitude for their kindness. "Let Xiao Ze decide," she said softly.
"Then it goes to Xun'er. As for the remaining cores, split them among yourselves," Xiao Ze decided, distributing the cores to Xiao Yixian, Medusa, and Qing Lin.
"I'll start refining the red heart. You handle the cores," he instructed, heading to a cave to begin the process. The others exchanged looks, and Xun'er smiled, taking charge of their surroundings.
"Xiao Yixian, you should start refining the cores. I'll keep watch," Xun'er said.
(End of the chapter)