Su Yan was teleported back. This time, her luck was exceptionally good. It was quite rare for Zhang Nu to encounter such a Demon King. As there were no rewards for a Demon King to kill another, this allowed her to stumble upon a tremendous stroke of luck.
After slaying the Naga Demon King, Su Yan should be able to advance to Level 5, becoming the first Level 5 Hero in the Darkness City. In addition, she gained the Demon King's Deep Sea Domain, signifying her potential for becoming a monarch. Heroes of this caliber were scarce in the entire Thunder Empire, likely not exceeding three.
However, despite acquiring the monarch domain, Su Yan's actual strength was not particularly formidable. She would probably struggle against a Guardian Knight. Unlike other Level 5 or 6 Heroes, Su Yan had a significantly lower starting point, being an ordinary fox villager from a small Chaos Forest village. Her current prowess was entirely attributed to the assistance and cultivation she received from the Demon King, slowly progressing step by step. Her foundation remained relatively thin, and it would take ample time to accumulate strength before she could rival the top-tier Heroes of the Thunderous Society.
"How's your recovery?" Zhang Nu approached the Succubus Queen Han Kexin.
Han Kexin had not suffered any significant injuries; her depletion was just a bit substantial. She could not fathom how a Demon King like Ijin Shinju managed to collapse without even attempting a fight, allowing the Hero of Darkness City to reap the benefits. While she could accept that Zhang Nu could defeat her in a direct confrontation, the fact that he was not only physically powerful but also adept at using underhanded tactics was downright terrifying.
"I'm almost fully recovered," she replied.
"What is this thing though? How did you manage to create that?"
Zhang Nu explained, "It's nothing extraordinary. Just a special method to create a disposable monstrous entity infused with the power of an Evil God. Unfortunately, it can only exist for less than two days."
Although Zhang Nu downplayed its significance, Han Kexin could sense the tremendous power emanating from the Evil God monstrosity. Even she was not confident in handling it. What amazed her the most was that despite the overwhelming Evil God aura---characterized by chaos, madness, and uncontrollable spiritual energy, the creature remained unusually calm. It was evident that Zhang Nu had it under control.
Continuing, Zhang Nu said, "Although it's a one-time-use toy, it comes in handy. The seal is about to be unlocked. Let's head in and take a look."
"However, as they say, even siblings settle their accounts clearly. Let's discuss the profit distribution first. This place is extremely challenging, expected to be several times more difficult than the Mountains of Madness. Although you've been helpful, provided clues, and resolved the initial troubles for yourself, the profits can't be split evenly as before."
Regarding this, Han Keyin naturally accepted. The sealing pearl was ultimately Zhang Nu's, and without it, they would not have had this opportunity. They agreed on a profit distribution plan: for monster-killing rewards, whoever made the kill would take it all, and for capturing rewards or other gains, a 70-30 split, with Zhang Nu taking the larger share.
This ratio was not unfair, considering it was a mythic-level area. Even with Han Keyin's abilities, she would not be able to handle it alone. The arrogant Ijin Shinju believed that her strongest form was sufficient to solo the Empress's Tomb. However, this was purely based on ignorant arrogance. Unbeknownst to her, her strongest transformed state, while reaching the level of a Level 6 monarch, ranked at the bottom among the Level 6 monarchs. The Empress's Tomb was a Level 5 mythic area, housing at least one Level 5 mythic existence. Such a being could easily crush even the strongest Level 6 monarch. Even if she entered, she would likely face death.
After discussing the distribution plan with Zhang Nu, the sealing power that pervaded the trench completely disappeared.
"Let's go!" The two entered the trench directly. The depth of this trench was at least tens of thousands of meters. However, unlike other deep-sea locations, this place was not completely dark. Numerous blue crystals, resembling bamboo shoots, were distributed along the cliffs on both sides.
Zhang Nu took a glance.
[Star Crystals] Blue-quality material...
Description: This is a peculiar crystal formed by the condensed star energy from another realm. The higher the crystal concentration, the better the quality, and the higher the value. It can be used to craft and strengthen equipment.
"So many crystals! The energy within these crystals is not weak!" Han Keyin exclaimed. "These are probably very valuable materials. If we can develop this place, it will surely create enormous value."
Just then, they felt a change in the environment. The seawater in the middle of the trench was blocked as if by an invisible barrier. Above the barrier was the sea, and below was a canyon space filled with dazzling and splendid Star Crystals.
"So magical!" The two landed in this canyon. Not only was it filled with Star Crystals, but also a variety of peculiar plants, giving the impression of not being at the depths of the sea, but in a lively and dimly lit cave.
Zhang Nu swept his eyes and found that most of these materials were of the dark attribute, which were quite rare. Predominantly green and blue, with a few purple-quality ones, each plant could fetch a decent sum.
"We've come to the right place this time!" Han Keyin said, "Just these materials could earn us a fortune!"
Zhang Nu shook his head, "These things are nothing special and not our goal. We probably have yet to even reach our destination yet. Let's scout this place first before deciding!"
However, at this moment, both of them simultaneously felt a powerful spirit and will descending upon this place.
"Be careful!"
"There's something approaching! It's teleporting towards us!"
As Han Keyin spoke, she had already prepared for battle. Almost simultaneously with the warning, a beam of light appeared before them.
"Undead? A ghost?"
Han Keyin examined the figure. This ethereal being was enveloped in a halo of light, and its facial features were blurry. However, one could vaguely discern that it was a merfolk in its past life. This spirit was quite different from ordinary ghosts and undead. There was no trace of death energy emanating from it. Instead, it seemed more like a pure soul.
Yet, how could a pure soul exist without a physical body? No matter how powerful one was, such as Duke Bachor, the separation of spirit and flesh could only last for a temporary period, not exceeding ten hours.
"Who are you people?"
"Why are you breaking the seal?"
"What are your intentions for coming here?"
The spirit began to speak, its voice sounding feminine, carrying a natural air of authority, indicating that it was definitely not an insignificant figure in its past life.
[Soul Warden: Azure Water Empress] Level 3 lord unit...
Description: This is the soul of Azure Water Empress from six thousand years ago. Due to spending most of its time in slumber and possessing divine attributes, even after transforming into a soul form, it remains capable of enduring an extended period without perishing.
Zhang Nu exclaimed in astonishment, "You're the Azure Water Empress?!"
Upon hearing this statement, Han Keyin was somewhat incredulous. She clearly did not want to believe it.
"Hey, what nonsense are you spouting? This one is THE Azure Water Empress? That's impossible! Didn't she die six thousand years ago?"
However, the spirit seemed surprised. She calmly said, "I didn't expect that, under these circumstances, you could still recognize me. It seems you possess some unknown special abilities!"
Hearing the soul admitting it with its own words, Han Keyin was suddenly filled with astonishment. Could this person really be the Azure Water Empress? If Azure Water Empress turned herself into a true undead, sustaining her power for a few thousand years would be possible. However, the issue was that she was just a soul. She had not transformed into an undead. A pure soul, under no circumstances, could exist in the natural environment for such a long time.
No matter how surprised Han Keyin was, it was impossible for Zhang Nu to be mistaken. Standing before them at this moment was indeed the Azure Water Empress. She did perish, but not entirely. In her prime, Azure Water Empress was a force no lower than Level 6 mythic and potentially even above that, either a Level 7 mythic or a Level 6 legendary figure. Only such a powerful individual could suppress a region, an era, and establish a federation.
Similar to Zhang Nu, Azure Water Empress possessed a divine soul, allowing her to exist in soul form for a very long time after death. However, even with a divine soul, she could not be considered a true deity. After six thousand years in the form of a Soul Warden, her divine essence had nearly been extinguished, and her soul's features became extremely blurry. As for her strength, it was only Level 3 lord, indicating that she likely could not persist for much longer.
Azure Water Empress carefully sensed the two mysterious visitors before her and immediately detected Han Kexin's formidable talents and strength. She could not help but feel deeply impressed. This Succubus Queen from the demon clan possessed power close to mythic-class, with a future potential surpassing even Azure Water Empress's prime.
As for the other one?
Although he wore a mysterious disguising cloak, Azure Water Empress had special means to directly sense and discern the other's soul. To her surprise, she found that his soul also possessed divine and indestructible qualities.
This guy! He's incredibly strong! Almost surpassing mythic-class! Comparatively close to Azure Water Empress's prime strength!
Azure Water Empress became wary once again, saying, "You two are no ordinary individuals. Why are you here?"
Zhang Nu replied, "No need to be nervous. We mean no harm. Even if we did, given your current state, do you think you can stop us?"
Indeed, regardless of Azure Water Empress's past status, she was now just a Soul Warden with the strength of a Level 3 lord. Not to mention Zhang Nu, even Han Kexin could easily overpower her. Hell, even a single Draconian Priest could suppress her. Moreover, her divine essence within the soul was almost depleted.
Zhang Nu explained the reason for their presence here. "That's the situation. We harbor no ill will towards the federation, at least not for now. And anyone with ill intentions has already been dealt with by us."
"So you're here for the ancient covenant?" Azure Water Empress remained calm, "But you are destined to be disappointed. The ancient covenant is not in this place. In fact, even I don't know its current location."
"Is that so?" Han Keyin expressed doubt, but seeing Azure Water Empress's demeanor, it seemed unlikely she was lying. She had no reason to lie. If the ancient covenant truly was in the trench, Zhang Nu and Han Kexin's abilities could easily locate it.
Zhang Nu was interested in the covenant. Hearing that it was not here, he felt a bit disappointed at first. However, on second thought, with Azure Water Empress found, the presence or absence of the covenant seemed less important. Even though she had been dead for thousands of years, her soul had remained relatively intact. Otherwise, she would not have the ability to communicate normally.
Since that was the case, why not try to bring her back? Using the Resurrection Altar, if successful, having a living Azure Water Empress would be invaluable. She was one of the founders of the Azure Water Federation, after all.
"I advise you to leave," Azure Water Empress attempted to dissuade them. "This is an ominous place. Although I forced the Evil God and its daemons from the foreign realm to retreat at the cost of my life six thousand years ago, the extremely dangerous dimensional crack still exists. You shouldn't have unsealed it; this may lead to catastrophic consequences in the near future!"
