As Alix distributed the stones, a figure approached from the distance. It was Vice-Captain Feng of the Harmony Alliance, a respected and wise cultivator known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind. Feng's eyes met Alix's, and a flicker of sadness passed between them.
"Feng," Alix greeted, his voice tinged with a mixture of respect and sorrow. "I'm glad to see you here. I have to tell you... Leon, your captain, and my friend, he... he sacrificed himself in the battle against the hobgoblin leader."
Feng's expression turned solemn, his eyes reflecting the weight of the news. "I had feared as much," he replied, his voice filled with sorrow. "Captain was a valiant warrior and a true leader. His loss will be deeply felt by the Harmony Alliance.
Alix nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "Leon fought with bravery and selflessness. He protected us until the very end. We will honor his memory and carry on his legacy."
Feng's gaze softened, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and admiration. "I thank you, Alix, for your friendship and for being there for Leon in his final moments. The Harmony Alliance will not forget this act of brotherhood."
Alix nodded, his heart was heavy with the weight of loss but fueled by a newfound determination. "Together, Feng, we will continue to fight for peace and justice in this cultivation world. We will ensure that Leon's sacrifice was not in vain."
The two stood in silence for a moment, paying silent tribute to their fallen comrade. The memories of battles fought side by side and the shared camaraderie echoed in their minds. They knew that their respective alliances would support each other through the hardships to come, united in their quest for a better future.
With a shared understanding, Alix and Feng turned to rejoin their respective groups. They would mourn, heal, and prepare for the challenges that awaited them. The path ahead was treacherous, but with their determination and the bonds forged through friendship and sacrifice, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead in this vast cultivation world.
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As Argon immersed himself in his cultivation chamber, his mind focused on familiarizing himself with the newly acquired cultivation techniques. The air crackled with energy as he channeled his inner strength, refining his movements and harnessing the power within him. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the door, interrupting his concentration.
Startled, Argon opened his eyes and straightened his posture. He recognized the voice that followed the knock—it was Isadora. "Enter," he called out, his voice firm and commanding.
The door creaked open, revealing Isadora. Her eyes held a mix of respect and efficiency as she stepped forward. "My Lord, I apologize for the interruption," she said, her voice steady. "But Cambion and Ma Kong are waiting for you in the throne room. They have completed the task you ordered."
Argon's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. He had entrusted Cambion and Ma Kong with a crucial mission, and their prompt return indicated its completion. Rising from his cultivation mat, he walked towards Isadora, his steps measured and purposeful.
"Thank you, Isadora, for your diligent service." Argon acknowledged, his voice calm but filled with authority. "Please inform them that I will join them shortly. Their dedication and efficiency are commendable."
Isadora nodded, her expression conveying a mix of respect and concern. "Of course, My Lord," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "May I ask about your next course of action? The successful completion of this task holds significant implications for our dungeon."
Argon's gaze hardened, his determination shining through. "Indeed, the time has come for us to make our move," he declared, his voice resolute. "With the information obtained, we can take the necessary steps towards solidifying our position and ensuring the prosperity of our dungeon."
Isadora's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and mischief as she listened to Argon's words.
Suddenly, she tilted her head slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips. "My Lord," she replied, her voice dripping with subtle playfulness, "you already know how to compensate me for my service, don't you?" She winked cutely, her tone hinting at a deeper connection between them.
Argon's expression remained composed, but a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. He couldn't help but appreciate Isadora's audacity and the bond they had developed over time. "Is that so, Isadora?" he responded, his voice laced with a teasing undertone. "Perhaps I do have something in mind to express my gratitude for your exceptional service."
Isadora's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. "I eagerly await your chosen reward, My Lord," she said, her voice a velvety whisper. "But for now, I will leave you to attend to your matters. Cambion and Ma Kong await your presence in the throne room."
With a graceful curtsy, Isadora turned to leave, her steps exuding confidence. As she reached the door, she glanced back at Argon, her gaze filled with a mixture of respect and affection. "It is always a pleasure to serve you, My Lord," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of a promise. And with that, she departed, leaving Argon to contemplate the upcoming meeting and the intriguing connection he shared with his aide.
Argon watched Isadora's departure, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He couldn't deny the special bond that had formed between them in the past few months, a connection that went beyond their professional relationship. As he prepared himself to join Cambion and Ma Kong in the throne room, a sense of anticipation filled his heart, both for the mission's success and for the possibilities that lay ahead.
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Argon entered the grand throne room, his presence commanding and authoritative. Cambion and Ma Kong stood before him, their expressions a mix of excitement and anticipation. The room was adorned with intricate cultivation symbols, emanating an aura of power and mystique.
"Report," Argon commanded, his voice carrying a tone of authority that echoed throughout the chamber.
Cambion, stepped forward. "My Lord," he began, his voice strong and resolute. "As you commanded, we have investigated the forbidden places of the Azure. These forbidden areas, although off-limits, hold great treasures and resources coveted by many forces in this cultivation world."
Ma Kong, interjected, "Indeed, My Lord. We discovered that numerous factions have been converging upon these forbidden places, seeking the rare items and treasures hidden within. The competition for these resources is fierce, and conflicts have arisen between various sects and clans."
Argon's eyes narrowed, his mind calculating the implications of this information.
"And what have you observed, Cambion?" Argon inquired, his voice measured and composed.
Cambion straightened his posture, his gaze steady. "My Lord, the factions gathering in these forbidden places are formidable. They include renowned sects, powerful clans, and even rogue cultivators seeking to bolster their strength. The battles that ensue are intense, and casualties are not uncommon."
Just as the tension built in the throne room, a translucent screen materialized before Argon. Only he could see it, and the system prompt that accompanied it resounded in his ears.
[System Prompt: Mission Alert - Destroy the Forbidden Area and Make Your Dungeon the Center of the World]
Argon's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of this unexpected mission.
"Excuse me for a moment," Argon addressed Cambion and Ma Kong, his voice filled with urgency. "Please give me a moment to assess the situation."
The two subordinates exchanged puzzled glances but complied, stepping back to give Argon the space he needed.
With a focused gaze, Argon turned his attention to the transparent screen, reading the mission details displayed before him.
[System Prompt: Mission Details - The forbidden area holds immense power and resources. Your mission is to destroy it completely and establish your dungeon as the central stronghold in the cultivation world. This task requires strategic planning, the mobilization of your forces.
Reward: Upgrade one floor for free.]
A mix of astonishment and excitement coursed through Argon's veins. The mission aligned perfectly with his ambitions to elevate his dungeon's status and solidify its influence in the cultivation world... And the reward is too generous, considering he needs 500k soul coins to buy the third floor. However, he knew that undertaking such a task would not be without challenges.
"I accept this mission," Argon declared firmly, his voice carrying a newfound determination.
"This is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked. With the forbidden area's destruction, we shall seize its power, reshape the cultivation world, and position our dungeon as the epicenter of cultivation."
Cambion and Ma Kong exchanged astonished glances, their curiosity piqued by Argon's sudden change in demeanor.
"Has something happened, My Lord?" Cambion asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Argon turned his attention back to his loyal subordinates, a determined glint in his eyes. He met their gaze and spoke with unwavering conviction.
"Yes, something has happened," he replied, his voice filled with excitement. "The mission has taken an unexpected turn. Our task now is to destroy the forbidden areas and make our dungeon the center of the cultivation world."
Ma Kong, the towering minotaur monster, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. A deep rumble resonated from his chest as he grinned, revealing his formidable fangs.
"If it's about destroying things, my lord, I'm an expert at that," Ma Kong boomed, his voice reverberating through the room. "Just point me in the right direction, and I'll turn those forbidden areas into dust!"
Argon nodded appreciatively at Ma Kong's enthusiasm. "Indeed, your formidable strength will be an asset in this mission. However, before we embark on this endeavor, I have a proposition. I shall elevate both of your cultivations to the Formation Core Realm."
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