Chapter 5: Solomon
The moment Su Xiao stepped into the exclusive room, a system notification appeared before him.
[You have received a message from the Void Tree.]
[Message content: The Void Tree has detected an abnormal fluctuation in the World of Paintings. The source of the fluctuation is the 'Solomon' within the painting. It is recommended that contractors enter the painting to investigate. This is a special mission, and the reward will be determined based on the completion level.]
Su Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. Solomon, the name was not unfamiliar to him. In the previous battle, he had sensed an extremely dangerous aura from that painting, but due to the urgency of the situation, he had not had time to investigate in depth.
"Solomon... is it finally going to make a move?"
He muttered to himself, then opened the attribute panel to check his current status.
[Contractor: Su Xiao]
[Rank: Eighth Rank]
[Health: 100%]
[Mana: 100%]
[True Strength: 285 points]
[True Agility: 290 points]
[True Stamina: 260 points]
[True Intelligence: 250 points]
[True Charm: 15 points]
[Luck: 10 points]
[Skill: Blade Path: Azure Demon Lv.68]
[Skill: Blade Path Sword: Time Lv.52]
[Skill: Blade Path Sword: Extreme Lv.45]
[Skill: Cyan Steel Shadow Energy Lv.70]
[Skill: Melee Grandmaster Lv.60]
[Skill: Blade Grandmaster Lv.65]
[Equipment: Dragon-Slaying Flash (Immortal Rank), Black King Bracer (Immortal Rank), Soul Crown (Epic Rank), etc.]
[Paradise Coins: 1,250,000]
[Soul Crystals (Complete): 85 pieces]
[Golden Skill Points: 3]
[True Attribute Points: 12]
After confirming his own strength, Su Xiao turned and walked out of the exclusive room. He needed to find some helpers, after all, the mission involving Solomon was definitely not simple.
In the corridor of Reincarnation Paradise, Su Xiao met Bubu Wang and Baha.
"Boss, what's the situation? You look serious."
Baha flapped his wings and landed on Su Xiao's shoulder.
"I received a mission from the Void Tree, asking me to investigate the abnormal fluctuations in the World of Paintings. The target is Solomon."
As soon as these words were spoken, Bubu Wang's ears perked up, and Baha's expression also turned serious.
"Solomon? The Solomon from the ancient alchemical civilization?"
"That's right."
Su Xiao nodded. "According to the information I have, Solomon is a legendary figure from the Second Era: Alchemical Civilization. He is said to have mastered the highest secrets of alchemy and even attempted to create a perfect life form."
"Then why is he in the World of Paintings?"
Bubu Wang asked curiously.
"Probably sealed there by someone. The World of Paintings itself is a huge seal, and Solomon is the core of that seal."
Su Xiao explained as he walked toward the trade market. He needed to purchase some supplies, especially items that could counter alchemical techniques.
In the trade market, Su Xiao quickly found what he needed. He bought three bottles of high-level recovery potions, two bottles of mana potions, and a special alchemy bomb.
"Boss, are you planning to go alone?"
Baha asked worriedly.
"No, I'll find some helpers. Solomon is not an ordinary enemy; I need the assistance of professionals."
Su Xiao said, then took out the communicator and contacted several old friends.
Half an hour later, in a meeting room of Reincarnation Paradise, several figures gathered.
"White Night, long time no see."
A man dressed in a black suit smiled and greeted Su Xiao. It was Zuiyasi, an old acquaintance of Su Xiao's.
"Zuiyasi, I didn't expect you to be free."
"Of course, I'm always interested in missions related to ancient alchemy."
Zuiyasi sat down, and behind him followed a woman in a moon-white robe—Yueshitu.
"White Night, long time no see."
Yueshitu nodded slightly to Su Xiao.
"Yueshitu, I'm glad you could come."
Su Xiao returned the greeting, then looked at the other two people in the room. One was a burly man with a scar on his face—Dazhujiao; the other was a man wearing a mask—Huishenshi.
"Everyone, I believe you already know the purpose of this mission. We are going to the World of Paintings to investigate the abnormal fluctuations of Solomon."
Su Xiao got straight to the point.
"Solomon... I've heard of him. He was a legendary alchemist from the Second Era: Alchemical Civilization, said to have reached the pinnacle of alchemy."
Huishenshi said in a low voice.
"That's right. According to the information provided by the Void Tree, Solomon's seal has loosened, and if not dealt with in time, he might break free."
Su Xiao continued, "Once Solomon breaks free, the consequences will be disastrous. He possesses knowledge of ancient alchemy and could even create an army of alchemical creatures."
"So, our mission is to reinforce the seal?"
Dazhujiao asked.
"Not exactly. The Void Tree wants us to investigate the cause of the abnormal fluctuations and, if possible, completely eliminate the threat of Solomon."
Su Xiao's tone was calm, but everyone present could feel the gravity of the situation.
"Eliminate Solomon? That's no easy task."
Zuiyasi frowned.
"I know, so I need everyone's help. According to my intelligence, Solomon's strength is at least at the ninth rank, or even higher. We need to be fully prepared."
Su Xiao said, then took out a map and spread it on the table.
"This is the map of the World of Paintings. Solomon is sealed in the deepest part of the painting. We need to pass through several dangerous areas to reach him."
Looking at the map, everyone fell silent. The World of Paintings was a dangerous place, filled with various traps and monsters, and now they had to face an ancient alchemist.
"White Night, do you have a specific plan?"
Yueshitu asked.
"First, we need to find the core of the seal. If we can reinforce the core, we can temporarily stabilize the seal. Then, we will look for a way to completely eliminate Solomon."
Su Xiao explained his plan.
"Sounds reasonable, but the problem is, how do we find the core of the seal?"
Huishenshi asked.
"According to the information from the Void Tree, the core of the seal is in the center of the World of Paintings, guarded by a powerful alchemical creature."
Su Xiao said, pointing to a location on the map.
"This is the center of the World of Paintings, also known as the 'Alchemy Laboratory.' There, we will face the toughest challenge."
"Alchemy Laboratory... I've heard of that place. It is said to be Solomon's former research base, filled with various dangerous alchemical creations."
Zuiyasi said with a grave expression.
"So, we need to be fully prepared. Everyone, go prepare your equipment and supplies. We'll set off in three hours."
Su Xiao stood up and said to everyone.
Three hours later, at the entrance of Reincarnation Paradise, five figures gathered.
"Everyone ready?"
Su Xiao looked at everyone and asked.
"Ready."
Everyone nodded.
"Then let's go."
Su Xiao said, then took out a special key and inserted it into the void before him. The next moment, a space door appeared before them.
"This is the teleportation array to the World of Paintings. Let's go."
Su Xiao stepped into the space door first, and the others followed.
When they reappeared, they were already in a strange world. The sky here was gray, the ground covered with withered plants, and in the distance stood a huge black castle.
"This is the World of Paintings? It feels so oppressive."
Baha said, flapping his wings.
"Be careful, this place is full of danger."
Su Xiao reminded, then took the lead and walked forward.
Along the way, they encountered many alchemical creatures. These creatures had strange shapes, some like giant insects, others like twisted humans. Fortunately, everyone was an experienced contractor, and they easily dealt with these monsters.
After about an hour of travel, they finally arrived at the center of the World of Paintings—the Alchemy Laboratory.
The Alchemy Laboratory was a huge building made of black stone, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura. In front of the laboratory stood two giant stone statues, each holding a huge sword.
"These stone statues look like they can move."
Yueshitu said warily.
"Be careful, they are guardians."
Su Xiao reminded, then slowly approached the laboratory.
As they approached, the two stone statues suddenly moved. They slowly raised their giant swords, emitting a low roar.
"Intruders, leave immediately!"
A stone statue spoke, its voice deep and powerful.
"We are here to investigate the abnormal fluctuations of Solomon. Please let us pass."
Su Xiao said calmly.
"Solomon is a sealed existence; no one is allowed to approach!"
The stone statue said, then swung its giant sword and slashed at Su Xiao.
"Scatter!"
Su Xiao shouted, and everyone immediately dispersed. Zuiyasi drew his long sword and clashed with one stone statue, while Dazhujiao summoned a huge shield to block the other stone statue's attack.
"Yueshitu, Huishenshi, you two find the core of the seal. I'll hold them off here."
Su Xiao commanded, then drew Dragon-Slaying Flash and charged at the stone statues.
"Understood."
Yueshitu and Huishenshi nodded, then quickly slipped into the laboratory.
Su Xiao's battle with the stone statues was intense. These stone statues were incredibly powerful, each strike carrying immense force. However, Su Xiao was not weak either. With his agile movements and precise swordsmanship, he managed to hold his own against the two stone statues.
After about ten minutes of fighting, Su Xiao finally found an opening. He flashed behind a stone statue and stabbed Dragon-Slaying Flash into its back.
"Roar!"
The stone statue let out a painful roar, then slowly collapsed.
The remaining stone statue saw this and became enraged. It swung its giant sword wildly, forcing Su Xiao to retreat.
At that moment, a loud noise suddenly came from the laboratory, followed by a powerful energy wave.
"Not good!"
Su Xiao's expression changed. He shook off the stone statue and rushed into the laboratory.
Inside the laboratory, Yueshitu and Huishenshi were confronting a man in a black robe. The man had a pale face and deep eyes, exuding an eerie aura.
"Solomon!"
Su Xiao recognized the man at a glance.
"Heh heh, I didn't expect someone to find this place."
Solomon let out a strange laugh, then raised his hand and shot a black beam at Yueshitu.
"Watch out!"
Su Xiao shouted, then instantly appeared in front of Yueshitu, blocking the black beam with Dragon-Slashing Flash.
"Boom!"
A loud explosion sounded, and Su Xiao was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into the wall.
"White Night!"
Yueshitu exclaimed in surprise, then quickly ran to Su Xiao's side.
"I'm fine."
Su Xiao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up. He looked at Solomon, his eyes full of caution.
"Solomon, your seal has loosened. We are here to reinforce it."
"Reinforce the seal? Hahaha, do you think you can seal me again?"
Solomon laughed wildly, then raised his hand and gathered a huge black energy ball.
"Since you're here to die, I'll grant your wish."
Solomon said, then hurled the black energy ball at Su Xiao and the others.
"Scatter!"
Su Xiao shouted, and everyone immediately dodged in different directions.
"Boom!"
The black energy ball exploded, creating a huge crater on the ground.
"Everyone, be careful. Solomon's strength is far beyond our expectations."
Su Xiao reminded, then charged at Solomon again.
A fierce battle erupted in the laboratory. Solomon's alchemical techniques were incredibly powerful, and each attack carried a devastating force. However, Su Xiao and the others were not weak either. With their cooperation, they managed to hold their own against Solomon.
After about half an hour of fighting, Su Xiao finally found an opening. He flashed behind Solomon and stabbed Dragon-Slashing Flash into his back.
"Ah!"
Solomon let out a painful scream, then turned around and shot a black beam at Su Xiao.
Su Xiao dodged quickly, but was still grazed by the black beam, leaving a deep wound on his arm.
"White Night!"
Yueshitu exclaimed in surprise, then quickly cast a healing spell on Su Xiao.
"I'm fine."
Su Xiao shook his head, then looked at Solomon. At this moment, Solomon's body began to distort, as if he was about to collapse.
"No, I can't die here!"
Solomon roared, then his body suddenly emitted a dazzling black light.
"Not good, he wants to self-destruct!"
Zuiyasi shouted.
"Retreat quickly!"
Su Xiao shouted, then grabbed Yueshitu and rushed out of the laboratory.
"Boom!"
A deafening explosion sounded, and the entire laboratory collapsed. Su Xiao and the others were sent flying by the shockwave, crashing heavily to the ground.
When they got up, the laboratory had turned into ruins.
"Is Solomon dead?"
Baha asked weakly.
"I don't know."
Su Xiao shook his head, then walked toward the ruins.
In the center of the ruins, they found a black crystal. The crystal emitted a faint light, as if it contained some kind of power.
"This is... Solomon's soul crystal?"
Yueshitu said in surprise.
"It should be. Solomon's self-destruction destroyed his body, but his soul was preserved in this crystal."
Su Xiao said, then picked up the black crystal.
[You have obtained 'Solomon's Soul Crystal' (Special Item).]
[This item can be submitted to the Void Tree for a reward, or used for alchemical research.]
"Mission complete, let's go back."
Su Xiao put away the soul crystal and said to everyone.
When they returned to Reincarnation Paradise, Su Xiao submitted the soul crystal to the Void Tree and received a generous reward.
[You have completed the special mission 'Investigate the Abnormal Fluctuations in the World of Paintings.']
[Reward: Paradise Coins 500,000, Soul Crystals (Complete) 20 pieces, True Attribute Points 5, Void Tree Reputation +2000.]
Looking at the reward, Su Xiao nodded with satisfaction. Although the process was dangerous, the reward was well worth it.
"White Night, what are your plans next?"
Zuiyasi asked.
"I need to rest for a while and digest the gains from this mission."
Su Xiao replied.
"Alright, if you need anything, feel free to contact us."
Zuiyasi said, then left with Yueshitu and the others.
After everyone left, Su Xiao returned to his exclusive room. He took out Solomon's soul crystal and carefully examined it.
"Solomon's soul crystal... maybe I can use it to study some alchemical techniques."
Su Xiao muttered to himself, then put the soul crystal into his storage space.
Next, he planned to rest for a few days, then continue with the next mission. After all, in Reincarnation Paradise, there was never a shortage of challenges.