The fleet cut through the waves, heading toward the setting sun.
After a full day of activity at the harbor, by dusk, the fleet finally reached the black curtain of the domain field.
The ships didn't stop; they pressed forward, piercing through the dark barrier.
The moment they passed, the view expanded dramatically. In the distance, they could see the lush greenery of the Black Abyss Island.
Feng Qi glanced toward the Mist Lord, standing at the forefront of the ship.
From their previous discussions, Feng Qi was well aware that the Mist Lord's plan for attacking the Black Abyss Domain Field was simple—there was no plan. It would rely entirely on brute force to crush the opposition.
For the Mist Lord, everyone else was just a pawn in its scheme to seize the miraculous item. Their lives were of little consequence—merely expendable pieces in this grand operation.
As the fleet continued its voyage, the disturbance caused by the propellers began to draw the attention of the sea beasts within the Black Abyss Domain Field.
More and more creatures surfaced, leaping from the waters or approaching the ships, occasionally ramming them to test their strength.
Compared to the simple functionality of the smaller ships, the warships were equipped with high-powered weapons. Without waiting for orders from the Mist Lord, the commanders of the warships began directing their crews to engage.
Specialized metal harpoons, suspended by steel cables, shot out from the sides of the warships, piercing the bodies of massive sea beasts. Blood quickly turned the surrounding waters crimson.
The scent of blood drove the sea creatures into a frenzy.
Smaller sea beasts began attacking the larger ones that had been impaled, tearing off chunks of flesh. In mere moments, many of the larger beasts were reduced to skeletal remains.
In addition to the harpoons, the warships were also equipped with advanced firearms, which now proved their worth.
Cannons roared, unleashing torrents of spiritual energy bullets onto the sea. The barrage decimated countless sea beasts blocking their path.
However, some of the tougher creatures—those with exceptionally thick hides—remained unscathed, enduring the storm of bullets with only mild discomfort.
For these resilient adversaries, the warriors onboard coordinated their attacks, unleashing powerful spells in unison to bring them down.
Compared to their previous entry into the Black Abyss Domain Field, this journey toward the island was far smoother.
In this world, firepower was justice.
After several hours of sailing, the fleet approached a corner of the Black Abyss Domain Field.
It was clear that this particular landing point had been explored multiple times before.
The shallow waters near the beach were littered with the wreckage of old ships. Judging by the extent of the damage, they had likely been attacked by massive sea beasts—rammed, bitten, or dragged under.
Some of the wreckage was so old that moss and algae had taken root, covering the remains in green.
Under the Mist Lord's command, the warships and smaller vessels began to dock.
Trained warriors carrying thick ropes leapt from the ships, wading through the shallows to secure the vessels on the sandy shore.
Once the ships were moored, the next priority was unloading the supplies.
No one knew how long this operation would take, but having ample provisions was critical to ensuring the mission's success.
As the warriors worked, the sky darkened.
On the beach, tents were pitched, campfires were lit, and the logistics team began preparing the evening meal.
Meanwhile, sentries were dispatched into the nearby rainforest to establish a perimeter and guard against potential ambushes from the intelligent domain creatures that might be lurking within.
In one quiet corner of the beach, Feng Qi sat by the fire, its flickering light casting shadows across his face.
The Mist Lord approached, handing him a roasted leg of meat.
"What's on your mind?" it asked.
Feng Qi took the leg, biting into it before responding. "Old Mist, what do you think the odds are of us standing at the summit one day?"
The Mist Lord sat beside him, silent for a moment before replying, "Most likely, we'll die on the path. There are countless like us, all striving to climb to the top, but only a rare few ever succeed. Before we even see the grand events unfold, we might end up as stepping stones for others."
"Then why do you push so hard?" Feng Qi asked.
The Mist Lord looked at him and smiled faintly, shaking its head. "I made a promise to my people—to lead them to greatness. It's the only oath I've ever made. Even if the outcome isn't what I hope for, I'll still press on without regret. At the very least, when I fail, I can face myself without shame."
Feng Qi stared at the Mist Lord, its face hidden behind a mask. In that moment, he realized how much they were alike.
He asked himself silently: if one day, saving humanity meant attacking a weaker, kinder race in another world, would he do it?
Looking up at the starry sky and listening to the crackling firewood, Feng Qi sighed inwardly.
There was no right or wrong—only different perspectives.
Ultimately, their goals put him and the Mist Lord on opposing sides. The future the Mist Lord envisioned for its people clashed fundamentally with his mission to protect humanity's civilization.
As he gazed at the Mist Lord, his mind flashed forward to a version of it 1,500 years into the future.
He chuckled softly and said, "Old Mist, with your talent, I think you'll stand at the top someday."
"Who knows? If that day ever comes, there will always be a place for you by my side."
"Don't be so sure. For all we know, we might become enemies over some petty dispute," Feng Qi said with a playful roll of his eyes.
"Hahaha! If you need something, just tell me, and I'll give it to you," the Mist Lord laughed.
"What if I want your life?" Feng Qi asked, half-joking.
"If you wanted it, you could've taken it in the snowy forests of the Winterfell Zone all those years ago. This life of mine has always been yours for the taking."
As dawn broke, the camp stirred.
After a night of rest, the Mist Lord began organizing the troops. It led the way into the dense Black Abyss Rainforest.
The forest's visibility was low, and the Mist Lord opted for a direct approach—clearing a path through the thick greenery.
Behind the Mist Lord, Feng Qi followed, fully aware of the battle ahead.
This would be a brutal fight.
The humanoid leader guarding the miraculous item wouldn't be easy to defeat. Feng Qi estimated that nearly half—or possibly more—of the warriors in this coalition force would lose their lives in the attempt.
Feng Qi understood that sacrifices were an unavoidable part of this operation.
This was the burden of walking the antagonist's path—seeking vital intelligence always came with a price. Any hesitation at this moment would only hinder the progress of the plan.
Four days later.
After enduring numerous ambushes from humanoid forces, the team finally pushed into the central region of Black Abyss Island.
Under the Mist Lord's orders, the group halted to rest.
Feng Qi turned to look behind him.
After several days of grueling marches, the warriors at the rear displayed clear signs of exhaustion. Their eyes were dull, and their equipment was stained with blood.
The advance into the central region had cost the coalition hundreds of lives, at a minimum.
However, the Mist Lord made no effort to assess the casualties. It wasn't out of carelessness but because those lives were insignificant to him—merely disposable pawns in this operation.
Just then, a reconnaissance team returned. The squad leader approached the Mist Lord and began reporting the situation they had scouted ahead.
Standing nearby, Feng Qi quietly listened.
When the squad leader mentioned a humanoid intelligence tribe's encampment up ahead, Feng Qi's heart tensed.
The final battle was drawing near.
The outcome of this fight would determine whether or not the miraculous item could be claimed.
After obtaining the reconnaissance details, the Mist Lord unexpectedly granted the warriors a few hours of rest.
During this time, he used his communicator to deliver a rousing speech, rallying the warriors and stoking their desire for victory.
When the rest period ended, the signal horn blared, and the warriors rose to their feet.
Weapons were wiped clean, gear adjusted. Then, led by the Mist Lord, they marched forward.
After hours of trekking, the group emerged from the rainforest to face a gushing waterfall.
Before it lay a sprawling humanoid tribal encampment.
It was evident the humanoids had anticipated their arrival. The camp was fully prepared for battle, its warriors assembled at the entrance.
At the forefront of their formation was the humanoid leader, mounted on the back of a massive tiger-like beast.
As the horn sounded once more, the battle began.
The rules within a domain field were vastly different from the real world. Unless it was a spiritual-energy-enhanced technological weapon, conventional firearms were useless.
Victory here could only be determined through spellcraft or the most primal forms of close combat.
The two sides clashed like opposing tides of steel, and a savage battle erupted.
One by one, figures fell amidst the chaos.
The Mist Lord, however, remained out of the fray, focusing instead on directing the battle from afar. His gaze was fixed on the humanoid leader and the green, glowing wristband on his arm.
Feng Qi, on the other hand, stayed close to the Mist Lord.
As the battle raged, Feng Qi felt his spiritual power growing uncontrollably once more.
One of the side effects of cultivating Eternal Spirit was that whenever a life perished near him, his spiritual tendrils would instinctively absorb the residual energy of the deceased, strengthening him.
While this might seem like an advantage, it wasn't entirely a blessing.
If his spiritual power grew too strong, it could break free from his physical constraints, just like last time, and gain independence.
Fortunately, Feng Qi's intense physical training before meeting the Mist Lord had fortified his body enough to withstand the adverse effects of enhanced spiritual power.
As time passed, Feng Qi's attention shifted back to the humanoid leader.
At that moment, the leader raised his right arm. The green wristband emitted a radiant glow, and a towering, ethereal figure materialized behind him.
The ground quaked as countless formations activated. Vines surged from the earth, wrapping around nearby warriors and crushing them.
The Mist Lord, too, turned his attention to the humanoid leader. Yet, he showed no intention of stepping into the fight. Instead, he continued commanding the squads to focus their assault on the leader.
Wave after wave of warriors fell, but the Mist Lord remained unmoved.
His strategy was simple: deplete the humanoid leader's energy as much as possible before making his move.
This approach maximized his chances of success when he eventually struck.
The brutality of war was laid bare here. Blood soaked the ground before the humanoid camp, and the stream flowing from the waterfall turned a deep crimson.
The emergence of the ethereal figure behind the humanoid leader marked a turning point. The coalition force's advantage began to crumble.
The humanoid leader became the single greatest obstacle to their mission.
Yet amidst this carnage, Feng Qi saw the unyielding spirit of the warriors.
Following the Mist Lord's commands, they charged toward the humanoid leader without hesitation.
Some burned brightly for a fleeting moment before their deaths, leaving visible scars on the leader's body.
The battle dragged on for an extended time.
Among the first to break ranks were the minor allied forces hired with resources. These weaker tribes, who had joined solely for profit, lacked the coalition warriors' resolve and desire for victory.
Faced with the gruesome battlefield, they chose to flee rather than continue fighting.
The Mist Lord did not stop them.
With their departure, the burden on the coalition warriors increased significantly.
At that moment, the Mist Lord decided to act.
He launched himself at the humanoid leader, catching him off guard and seizing him by the neck.
With a powerful leap, he carried the leader away from the battlefield and into the dense rainforest.
The prolonged battle had left the humanoid leader visibly fatigued. Otherwise, the Mist Lord wouldn't have succeeded so easily.
This was precisely why the Mist Lord had waited so long to act.
As he disappeared into the trees with the humanoid leader, Feng Qi felt a twinge of concern.
The true power of the miraculous item remained a mystery. It was possible the humanoid leader had only been using a fraction of its capabilities and still had a devastating trump card.
If the Mist Lord were to fall, the plans following this sacrifice line would crumble.
Resolving himself, Feng Qi grabbed the communicator and handed command of the remaining coalition forces to an A-rank squad leader. He then set off in pursuit of the Mist Lord.
Weaving through the rainforest, his spiritual senses extended outward, searching for any trace of the Mist Lord.
In a corner of the rainforest, the Mist Lord had transformed into a sea of gray mist, relentlessly corroding the humanoid leader's body.
However, the humanoid leader's resistance was ferocious.
Under his control, the surrounding plants grew wildly, absorbing the gray mist and weakening the Mist Lord's power.
This battlefield was clearly a domain where plants held the upper hand.
The plants, while absorbing the gray mist, would quickly wither and die, but they still managed to inflict damage on the Mist Lord.
As the two forces were locked in a stalemate, the shadow behind the humanoid leader began forming complex spell trajectories.
The shadow grew larger and then merged into the gray mist, releasing waves of green energy to counter the encroaching mist.
Explosions echoed through the rainforest as the two energies clashed.
From time to time, the gray mist was blown apart, creating temporary voids, only to rapidly close and reform moments later.
The Mist Lord had clearly come prepared for this encounter. Despite the humanoid leader's counterattacks, he remained focused on corroding his opponent's body.
He understood that as long as the humanoid leader was defeated, the battle would be over.
Choosing self-preservation over offense would only lead to a prolonged stalemate, introducing uncontrollable variables.
The battle didn't last long before the humanoid leader's bodily functions began to deteriorate under the relentless assault, rendering him incapable of continuing the fight.
Yet, just as the Mist Lord believed victory was within his grasp, the humanoid leader glared at him with a twisted expression and began chanting an incomprehensible incantation.
Suddenly, the shadow behind the humanoid leader shattered into countless black particles.
In an instant, the black particles, as if drawn by an unseen force, surged into the gray mist.
The Mist Lord let out a pained scream.
The gray mist rippled violently, and he was forced back into his human form.
But his body was now covered in black spots.
Before his death, the humanoid leader had unleashed a Life Curse upon him.
The curse inflicted both physical and mental torment on the Mist Lord, forcing him to his knees as agonized cries escaped his lips.
In his mental sea of consciousness, black stains spread rapidly, threatening to devour the entire mental domain.
To prevent the curse from annihilating his consciousness, he began gathering his blood energy to counter the curse's invasive effects.
Meanwhile, the weak forces from the allied humanoid tribes, who had initially fled the battle, quietly crept back toward the Mist Lord.
They had never truly left.
When they noticed the Mist Lord kneeling on the ground, clutching the glowing green wristband, their expressions shifted.
Miraculous items were no strangers to domain forces.
However, most of them dared not covet these items directly, usually settling for derivative objects created from miracles. They were acutely aware of their own limitations.
Yet, seeing the Mist Lord in such a vulnerable state, holding what appeared to be a genuine miraculous item, their greed overcame their caution.
As their desire grew, so did their killing intent.
The tribal warriors moved closer, preparing to strike.
Sensing their approach, the Mist Lord opened his bloodshot eyes and roared, conjuring gray mist tentacles to swat away the closest figures.
However, the effort drained him further, and he collapsed again.
The black spots spread across his body, paralyzing him completely.
As the tribal forces closed in, the Mist Lord felt the encroaching shadow of death once more.
At that moment, a powerful psychic shockwave erupted, sending several figures flying.
Feng Qi emerged and rushed to the Mist Lord's side.
Bending down, he hoisted the Mist Lord onto his back and grinned.
"Mist Lord, you're not dying on me now. Don't forget your promise—when you stand at the peak, you owe me a place at your side. For now, I'm getting you out of here!"
The Mist Lord's lips quivered as though trying to speak, but no sound came out.
"Don't worry about anything else," Feng Qi reassured him. "Focus on dispelling that curse."
Hearing those words, the Mist Lord finally relented.
Closing his eyes, he sank into his mental sea, preparing to confront the Life Curse.
Feng Qi stood and turned his gaze to the approaching tribal forces, now numbering in the hundreds.
This sacrifice line had begun with the hope of riding the Mist Lord's coattails, leveraging his future strength to uncover more truths and secrets.
But he hadn't anticipated the Mist Lord's journey would be so fraught with peril.
This was the second time he had risked his life to save him.
Yet, the Mist Lord had to survive. Without him, the plan for this sacrifice line would collapse entirely.
Taking a deep breath, Feng Qi braced himself for the fight of his life.