Chapter 69: Strange Mind Stone

The darkness spread out in a hemispherical shape, enveloping the area. The Shadow Domain and the Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies in the sky were also encompassed, their soul attacks suppressed. Trapped within this domain, they found themselves unable to escape.

"I like your abilities very much," Zhang Chenran's dark red eyes locked onto the general-level Soul Devouring Dark Butterfly.

Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies, typically weak in individual combat, relied on mental attacks resonating through their wings, creating powerful, hypnotic effects when in numbers. This, combined with their naturally weak auras, made them difficult to detect for wizards with strong mental powers. However, they always operated under the guidance of a leader, the general-level Soul Devouring Dark Butterfly being the mastermind this time. Zhang Chenran, intrigued by their abilities, had unknowingly attracted them.

"I originally wanted to find the demon tribe in Phoenix Forest that cultivates spiritual power, but I didn't expect you to come to my door," Zhang Chenran said, as hundreds of dark soul shadows behind him surged towards the Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies.

Without the general-level leader, the thousands of Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies might have stood a chance against the Shadow-born punishment. But now, immobilized within the Shadow-born area, they could only allow the merciless slaughter by the Shadow-born punishers.

"Ying!" Under the signal of the general-level Soul Devouring Dark Butterfly, thousands of Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies launched a final counterattack. Their pleasant sounds, like lullabies, carried soul attacks comparable to curses.

Zhang Chenran's eyes flashed dark red. A huge dark red spider web appeared above the tent where everyone rested, with a massive dark red spider soul lying on it, blocking all the Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies' attacks.

"It's okay to wake me up, but you'll be responsible if you wake my teammates?" Zhang Chenran snorted. The dozen general-level Shadow-born Executioners, despite the soul attacks, attacked in unison, passing through the Shadow-born Domain, killing the slave-level Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies along the way.

"Ying!" The general-level Soul Devouring Dark Butterfly screamed in pain. These creatures, like the Shadow-born Executioners, had no physical form. Upon death, they turned into transparent souls and floated around. With their leader dead, the remaining Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies were quickly dispatched.

Manjusaka retracted the domain, collecting the floating souls into the shadow behind Zhang Chenran. The darkness of the shadow world infected the souls, transforming them into dark night elves. In the darkness, these Soul Devouring Dark Butterflies became nearly invisible.

"Hmm!" The once-hostile butterflies now stood obediently on Zhang Chenran's shoulders, like little pets. Zhang Chenran gently stroked his new pet and asked with a smile, "Tell me all the information you know about this forest!"

Through the butterfly's information, Zhang Chenran gained a basic understanding of Phoenix Forest. Their current route avoided groups of demons. The demon tribes, previously on the outskirts, had moved towards the forest's interior, driven by the mental power overflowing from the Mind Stone Vein. This area now only had lone demons.

"Hasn't the energy of the Mind Stone Vein disappeared? Why are these peripheral demons rushing towards the depths?" Zhang Chenran pondered aloud.

"Hmm!" The Soul Devouring Dark Butterfly conveyed a message via soul waves.

"Some of the strange stones around the Mind Stone Mine are infused with huge spiritual energy due to the spreading mental power?" Zhang Chenran thought carefully. "These stones are as valuable as the Mind Stones themselves?"

Mind Stones, treasures that rapidly enhance mental power, were extremely rare and valuable. The overflowed energy from the Mind Stone Mine had likely affected nearby stones, now coveted by powerful races seeking to occupy the forest's depths.

"It will take at least two or three days to reach the junction of the periphery and the depths," Zhang Chenran concluded, sitting cross-legged to practice and keep watch. His dark perception naturally alerted him to any movements around him.

...

Early in the morning, everyone yawned and emerged from their tents, noticing Zhang Chenran still cross-legged and practicing.

"Didn't I keep watch last night?"

"I think I overslept too. Why didn't anyone wake me for the night watch?"

"No one kept watch. Zhang Chenran did it alone," Jiang Yinyun recalled him asking her to rest last night.

Everyone felt guilty, apologizing for neglecting their watch duties. Zhang Chenran smiled, "I don't blame you. The training pressure has been immense. It's understandable." Relieved, they gave him guarantees for the future.

The team continued, and after three days and two nights of unimpeded travel, they finally reached the junction of the forest's outer periphery and the depths.