Chapter 37: I Choose You!
The desert vehicle sped along, cresting a sand dune before its wheels slammed heavily onto the ground, kicking up a large plume of fine sand as it shot forward.
Su Xiao crouched on the vehicle's roof, looking behind him. A black-red blood energy pillar surged into the sky in the distance, about five meters thick, as if connecting heaven and earth. The sky directly above it was stained blood-red.
If the blood energy monster earlier was a triple fusion, after devouring the combined 'projections' of Molei and the others, it had become a sixfold fusion.
This was a terrifying situation. First, the blood energy monster was primarily based on Su Xiao's 'projection,' having devoured the 'projection monsters' of Wude and Zuiyasi. This meant Su Xiao's ability characteristics were the main system, with Wude and Zuiyasi's abilities as secondary systems.
For Su Xiao, the blood energy monster at that time was manageable, provided he found Lilim. Some of Lilim's abilities likely countered the blood energy monster.
The blood energy monster inherited Su Xiao's abilities as its main system, meaning it would also share his weaknesses, specifically the low charm attribute trait.
The blood energy monster lacked equipment bonuses, so it couldn't offset the penalty of negative charm. Through observation, Su Xiao noted that the monster had stolen immortality from Zuiyasi's 'projection' and strangeness, compatibility, and adaptability from Wude's 'projection.'
As a member of the Devil Race, Wude didn't have any particularly outstanding specialties, but to master the power of contracts, he needed strong ability compatibility to adapt to the characteristics of different contracts.
As for Wude's adaptability, it came from his frequent dealings with the Abyssal Jar; it was hard for his adaptability not to be strong.
Originally, the blood energy monster's limit was devouring two identical individuals, but the characteristics of Wude's 'projection' allowed it to devour more 'projections.'
The most critical issue was here. The triple fusion devoured by the blood energy monster was formed by the fusion of the 'projections' of Molei, Yueshitu, and Lilim.
Molei could be ignored. The main problems were Yueshitu and Lilim. Both of their abilities had charm characteristics—one was a summoning type, the other was violent mental manipulation.
After devouring the 'projections' of Yueshitu and Lilim, the blood energy monster's charm resistance would skyrocket to normal levels, or even develop high charm resistance.
This meant the blood energy monster's weakness had disappeared. It was now centered on Su Xiao's abilities, supplemented by Zuiyasi's immortality, expanded by Wude's adaptability, and had gained Molei's super-precise energy control, Lilim's charm attribute resistance, and finally Yueshitu's summoning characteristics. This thing might even be able to create summons, since Su Xiao had three followers and one permanent summon; the blood energy monster would likely inherit that strength.
Additionally, the Endless Desert was the monster's home turf. No matter how you looked at it, this monster was somewhat invincible, with such tight compatibility between various abilities.
This thought had just appeared in Su Xiao's mind when he dismissed it. The monster wasn't invincible. From its various performances, its behavior patterns were quite singular. In other words, this thing didn't have high intelligence and might even be acting purely on instinct.
Su Xiao felt this was the only chance for victory. Fighting that monster head-on was too unwise. Even if they won at a terrible cost, they wouldn't be able to seize the [Scroll Fragments] in the Sand World afterward. It would be a huge loss.
With this thought, Su Xiao's mind cleared. Whether it was the Endless Desert or the blood energy monster born from their 'projections,' both were defense mechanisms to prevent outsiders from entering the Sand World.
To the natives of this world, all outsiders were enemies. This world consumed [Scroll Fragments] to maintain its current state. Once all the [Scroll Fragments] here were taken, it would be their end.
From the perspective of this world's natives, Su Xiao and the others were world-destroyers, annihilators.
In every sense, this was true. Even if enough [Scroll Fragments] were gathered to paint a stable new world, it had nothing to do with the natives of the Sand World. They would only fight to the death to defend their world. They had already experienced one 'migration' and wouldn't participate in a second, nor would they dare to.
Su Xiao's thoughts gradually became clear. To leave the Endless Desert, dealing with the blood energy monster was necessary. Watching the towering blood energy pillar in the distance, he formulated a plan. This wasn't a problem he had to solve alone. He needed to use all available forces, including Molei and Yueshitu. For one thing, the Apocalypse sisters could run fast, which was important.
The desert vehicle sped on, wind whistling past their ears. After nearly three hours of travel, the vehicle screeched to a halt. The moon-type elk running alongside also stopped. There was no rumbling from behind; the blood energy monster hadn't followed.
"I'm about to be dried into a salted fish."
Molei took a water flask from around Yueshitu's neck, first giving a few big gulps to the nearly dehydrated Yueshitu, then taking two sips herself before handing it to Lilim behind her. The drinking order went from tallest to shortest, very orderly.
After drinking, Lilim quietly tapped Molei's lower back, a subtle reminder to be careful not to be used.
"Ladies, what are your thoughts on what just happened?"
Wude stepped down from the vehicle. Though his tone carried a hint of amusement, his mood wasn't good.
"Thoughts? Ouch~"
Yueshitu's lower back took a punch from Molei, and she turned her head away, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
"That monster devoured the 'projections' of the three of us and got stronger. We three are responsible for this."
Molei's words made Wude, who was walking ahead, stop.
"But then again, where did that blood energy monster come from? We're all turtles in the same pond, so no one should pretend their eyes are greener. Isn't that right, Skull Head Bro?"
Molei's words were a bit silly, but the logic was sound.
"Skull Head... Bro?"
Wude laughed, the flame in his eyes narrowing.
"Wude, do you really think... I'm invisible?"
Lilim stared at Wude, a faint black-purple phantom appearing behind her. Seeing this, flames ignited beside Wude, and a partially formed contract burned itself out. In her normal state, Wude didn't care about Lilim, but if this female succubus awakened, that was a different matter.
"Just a joke, no need to be so serious."
Wude stopped looking at Molei. The blood beads inside Molei's sleeve gradually faded, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She really wanted to back down, but she couldn't do that now. If she showed weakness at this moment, she might die without a trace in a few hours.
Lilim tapped Molei's head from behind, giving her a silent thumbs-up, approving of her approach. They couldn't back down now, or they'd be used until they doubted their own existence, dying without knowing how.
"In times like this, no infighting."
Zuiyasi stepped in to mediate, playing the good cop/bad cop routine skillfully. He continued:
"Based on my observations along the way, to leave this desert, heading in any direction is meaningless. Our 'projections' are the key to leaving. Normally, we should defeat our respective 'projections' to leave. Even if we cooperate, it would be at most two or three people working together. The problem now is that all five of our projections have been devoured by Bai Ye's projection, becoming that monster. How to dispel or destroy that monster is our top priority."
After saying this, Zuiyasi felt parched and looked at Baha. Baha didn't hold back and tossed him a cool water container.
"How about we team up and fight? This god-tier lineup is invincible."
Yueshitu grew more excited as she spoke. The formidable enemies they had to face with trepidation were suddenly all powerful allies. The feeling was too surreal.
"Stop dreaming. We can't win."
Molei poured cold water on Yueshitu. Just looking at that blood energy monster earlier made her heart race.
"Even if we join forces, the probability of victory isn't high. And even if we win, our casualties would be over 80%."
Wude took out the Abyssal Jar, hesitating whether to use it to break the deadlock. It seemed feasible, but any slip-up would cost more than fighting the blood energy monster head-on.
"I need some materials, but in the current situation, it's almost impossible to get them. So, using some high-value substitutes is unavoidable."
Su Xiao finished speaking, picked up a backpack from the back seat of the desert vehicle, and took out a semi-transparent crystalline substance. This item was called [Coalescing Crystal]. Su Xiao had brought it not out of foresight. Items like [Navigation Compass] and [Prison Rice] had also been taken out of his storage space and placed in the backpack for Bubu to carry, just in case.
Su Xiao had obtained [Coalescing Crystal] some time ago. He had gotten a large piece initially, using it occasionally for setting up alchemical arrays. Now, only a fist-sized piece remained.
He had acquired it during a war world encounter with the void creature Jormungandr, trading with it. Unfortunately, since that transaction, Su Xiao hadn't encountered that seemingly terrifying but actually silly giant octopus again.
[Coalescing Crystal] had excellent spatial blocking properties, making it an ideal choice for setting traps.
Su Xiao's plan was to set up an alchemical array as a trap, significantly reducing the blood energy monster's combat power before launching a group attack.
Currently, his storage space was sealed, and the materials for the alchemical array were incomplete. This wasn't unsolvable, but it would cost many times more than usual. Su Xiao could set up an alchemical array without various materials, but that required very unique energy, such as from equipment, treasures, or supernatural forces.
This wasn't about borrowing equipment or treasures but using them as disposable items to greatly enhance the alchemical array's lethality.
Su Xiao briefly explained the situation to the group. Of course, he didn't say he was setting up an alchemical array but called it a 'trigger-type array trap.' As long as the alchemical array was high enough, even if Wude and the others were old schemers, they would be like ducks listening to thunder. Faced with those intricate patterns, they couldn't even distinguish the lines, let alone remember them.
"Treasures."
"Equipment."
"And single-use."
While everyone hesitated, Molei gritted her teeth, stepped forward, and asked Su Xiao, "Bai Ye, how sure are you?"
"Eighty percent."
"That high? Feels unreal."
Molei scratched her head, looking conflicted. Just as she was about to ask more, she noticed Su Xiao's gaze change. This familiar look made Molei shiver. Last time, she had that look, and then her leg was broken.
"Alright, I'll trust you this once. Don't screw me over."
Molei took off a ring from her finger, hesitated several times, and then placed it in Su Xiao's palm.
[Prompt: You have obtained temporary control of Lost Guardian (Immortal Rank · Ring). Can be consumed, can be destroyed, cannot be traded, cannot be held long-term...]
Seeing this prompt, Su Xiao was surprised. He didn't expect Molei to take out an Immortal Rank piece of equipment.
"You absolutely cannot screw me over."
As she spoke, Molei took off another earring and placed it in Su Xiao's hand.
[You have obtained temporary control of Wind's Secret (Holy Spirit Rank +12 · Earring). Can be consumed, can be destroyed, cannot be traded, cannot be held long-term...]
Su Xiao scrutinized Molei, reassessing her wealth.
"I'll trust you this once."
Yueshitu, looking conflicted, handed over a ring.
[You have obtained temporary control of Fallen Gaze (Immortal Rank +3 · Ring)...]
Seeing the quality and attributes of this ring, Baha on Su Xiao's shoulder widened his eyes and sighed, "Tianqi is really damn rich."
Baha made a heartfelt exclamation. Soon after, Wude, Zuiyasi, and Lilim each handed over an item.
"Bai Ye, aren't you going to contribute? That Coalescing Crystal is just rare, not precious."
Wude spoke. Everyone had sacrificed something, and he meant for Su Xiao to do the same.
"I've paid a higher price than all of you."
"Oh? What do you mean?"
"Knowledge."
"Alright, you win."
Wude had nothing to say. This was actually a great assist from a good teammate. Wude seemed dissatisfied, but he was deliberately making Su Xiao state that his contribution was knowledge, to prevent others from feeling unbalanced and causing problems during the cooperation.
"There's another issue. If we set up the trap here and the monster doesn't come on its own, by the time our fresh water runs out, we'll die before it. This desert is its home turf; it won't be affected."
Zuiyasi looked troubled. Wude immediately followed up:
"That's right. So after the trap is set, we need to lure it here actively. If everyone goes, the target is too big. It's best to send one or two people to lead the monster onto the trap."
"Mm, makes sense. Any suggestions on who?"
"Draw lots?"
"No, drawing lots relies too much on luck. Not everyone is suited for this. A vote would be more feasible."
"Makes sense."
After Zuiyasi and Wude's exchange, everyone fell silent. Molei carefully pondered their words, feeling something was off.
"Mo, Molei."
Yueshitu touched Molei's hand. Molei looked at her questioningly, and Yueshitu tilted her chin, signaling Molei to look ahead. Molei turned to see several pairs of eyes fixed on her and Yueshitu.
I choose you, Apocalypse sisters.