Chapter 98 – Effortless First Clear

Cheng Yang’s ice sphere shot forth, seemingly unchanged from before, but its destructive power was now far beyond what it had been when he first became a Frost Mage. The mid-tier Ironclad Beast, despite its formidable defenses and ample health, lost more than half its life in a single hit.

The attack was like pouring water into hot oil – the entire hall erupted into chaos. The wandering Ironclad Beasts instantly awoke, their heads snapping towards Cheng Yang’s group.

“Hiss…” The sound of countless serpents filled the eerie hall, sending shivers down everyone’s spine. The Ironclad Beasts began crawling towards them, though their awkward movements made them seem less threatening.

At the same time, Yu Kai’s arrow found its mark, finishing off the wounded beast. Liu Xiyue stood ready, her focus entirely on monitoring her companions’ health, prepared to cast Healing Light at a moment’s notice.

Minutes later, the battle concluded. The floor was littered with dozens of Ironclad Beast corpses and a single Black Iron leather armor, which Cheng Yang collected since everyone present already had equivalent or better gear.

It was then they noticed a dark staircase in the eastern corner, descending into the depths below.

“Let’s go,” Cheng Yang said decisively.

The second floor proved similar to the first, quickly cleared by the group. This time, a Black Iron ring dropped, which Liu Cheng’en claimed. Huang Mu looked on enviously, but as a summoner relying on magical attacks, the physical attack boost was useless to him.

Assuming the third floor would be the final level, they were surprised to find yet another staircase leading down after clearing it. Each member gained about ten spirit energy points, and another piece of Black Iron equipment – a leather cap – was stored away.

The fourth floor was different – no longer a prison cell, but a furnished resting area complete with a bed. On that bed lay an enormous Ironclad Beast, an amplified version of those they’d faced before.

“There you are,” Cheng Yang muttered, immediately launching an ice sphere at the beast. “Yu Kai, it’s your show now.”

Though Cheng Yang could have easily frozen and dispatched the boss, he wanted Yu Kai to experience its full capabilities. The beast charged, ignoring Yu Kai’s initial arrows until a well-placed shot to its eye finally drew its attention.

The battle intensified as the Ironclad Beast revealed its special ability – temporary immunity to attacks. Yu Kai learned the hard way, taking a brutal charge that sent him flying and cost him a chunk of health.

“Be more careful next time,” Cheng Yang warned as Yu Kai finally finished off the beast. “If that had been a beast with piercing or cleaving abilities, you’d be dead.”

Yu Kai grinned sheepishly. “With you around, I got careless. Won’t happen again.”

As they searched for loot, Cheng Yang discovered something extraordinary behind the beast’s bed – a Statue Enhancement Stone for Warriors. This rare item could double a warrior statue’s attributes, potentially increasing their warrior count from 530 to 1060.

Yu Kai, meanwhile, picked up a Black Iron wooden bow, which Cheng Yang stored in his spatial ring.

“When will we get spatial rings of our own?” Yu Kai asked enviously. “They’re so convenient!”

“When you save up 10,000 spirit energy points,” Cheng Yang replied with a smile. “Don’t worry, with your current strength, you’ll earn it faster than you think.”

Yu Kai remained skeptical, knowing his daily cultivation costs would increase as he grew stronger. But for now, they had a first clear under their belts and valuable loot to show for it.

PS: Seeking recommendations and collections…