Chapter 1062: Act 252: Underground Secret, Another Bloodline_2
Thus, after realizing the limitations of the Golden Radiance Battle Banner, Brand instead felt a sense of relief. Because such limitations seem negligible compared to other card limitations, which is where the strength of Secret Cards lies. Although the Deer Demon Sister is not a Travel Mage herself, she is well-versed in the knowledge of many Travel Mages. She told Brand that, due to the strength of the Golden Radiance Battle Banner, it can completely become the most core card in his deck. In such a situation, he needs to find ways to seek out cards that have a filtering effect, so as to draw the Golden Radiance Battle Banner from the deck at the earliest in each battle.
She gave examples, saying generally, there are two ways to draw cards. One is to increase the chance of getting a specific card by drawing more cards, such as her Thought Acceleration Barrier. The other is to filter a specific card from the deck, for instance, selecting a Creature Card from the deck and shuffling it into your hand, or choosing a Treasure Card from the deck and drawing it into your hand as described by such effects.
The older sister thought for a moment and told Brand that, in fact, the core card of the Clockwork Man’s Dark Adversity—the Desperate Trojan—is such a card. However, it is a card used for filtering Creature Cards, and its effect is somewhat stronger than general filter cards. But as for how strong it really is, the Deer Demon didn’t elaborate—Brand looked at her before she said, "Both the Clock Monster and I have accepted you as the heir of Adversity Heaven, so anyway, this core card will be given to you sooner or later, so allow me to keep a little secret for now."
For the older sister to say such words, it at least indicates that she has somewhat emerged from her previous sorrow, and Brand also felt relieved.
While their conversation continued, they entered a small natural cave untouched by human hands, resembling an underground wind cave, typical of karst landscapes. Such areas are extremely dangerous in so-called underground adventures, referred to by the Cruz people as Enor’s Maze. Enor is a monster with goat ears, a servant to the Earth Goddess, who delights in constructing mazes. However, even the most complex places lose their mystery after thousands of years of exploration. Yi Lian seemed to traverse this long cave as readily as if walking in the courtyard of her own home.
Then they entered a man-made corridor at the end of the karst cave. The corridor descended with steps, leading down to a larger cavern. When Brand entered this cavern, he was stunned by the scene before him, seeing the walls of the cavern stretching endlessly with crystals, and within the crystals, impossibly enclosed, were three people.
Brand first noticed Travel Mage Trisman, an aged elder whose attire was no different from a typical Wizard. Though his appearance remained as it was in life, his skin was ashen, his muscles slack, and wrinkles drooped as if drained of vitality, seemingly exhausted by inner wounds, ultimately dying here. Yet even with such an elderly appearance, one could still sense the powerful strength contained within his withered body. Brand initially didn’t recognize this old man as Trisman, yet he inexplicably felt small, as if facing the entire World upon seeing him. He glanced at the Deer Demon Sister’s expression and understood completely.
"Is this your master?"
The Deer Demon nodded, placing the Clockwork Man’s remains beside the Crystal silently, this time without shedding tears.
At this moment, Brand suddenly noticed a textured pattern subtly floating on this Crystal wall, shocking him inwardly. Upon closer inspection, he confirmed it. Suddenly, raising his head, he found the mysterious pattern connected with runes intricately cast in Mithril above the cavern ceiling, identical to the Array on the outside hall’s ground.
He was slightly taken aback, initially unable to comprehend its purpose. But suddenly, he inhaled sharply upon realizing that the glow on the Crystal was evidently extracting strength from the three enclosed individuals to maintain it. By Martha above, the three individuals within this Crystal must have voluntarily allowed themselves to be sealed inside. What kind of strength compelled such powerful entities to willingly surrender their lives to eternally guard here?
His throat became somewhat dry momentarily, instinctively touching the Crystal. Then he shifted his gaze to the second person, a middle-aged Swordsman with chiseled features, appearing steadfast and mighty. Even with closed eyes, he exuded astonishing authority and momentum. Brand couldn’t help but ask, "Who is this?"
"This is the most outstanding Swordsman I’ve ever seen, the leader of the area’s indigenous people." The Deer Demon gazed at the middle-aged Swordsman, showing respect on her face.
Brand then looked at the third person, and with just one glance, he couldn’t tear his eyes away.
He had never seen such a beautiful scene, a maiden sealed within the Crystal looking like the legendary Goddess. She wore a pure white silk gown, a style now exceedingly rare. It appeared reminiscent of Ancient Greek City States’ long white robes, yet layered and imbued with modern sophistication. The gown embedded within the Crystal blossomed as if billowed by wind, resembling a white lily.
The moment froze at this instant; the maiden’s eyes remained closed, seemingly no older than seventeen or eighteen. Her long hair fanned out in all directions, completely spread, pure white; her eyelashes were white, and so was her skin, akin to ice crystals, devoid of any complexion. She and her Holy White gown formed a unique scenery; Brand had never encountered such beauty, particularly her distinct aura.
"Is she dead?"
Unable to resist, he asked rather unwillingly.
The Deer Demon Sister nodded.
Brand knew he asked a foolish question. Clearly, the three individuals within the Crystal hailed from the same era. They had rested here for thousands of years. Yet inexplicably, upon seeing this woman, a subtle sense of incongruity arose within him. He suddenly perceived that familiar feeling, yet couldn’t understand why—a feeling as if he had seen or heard such a sight in some other World.
Such an extraordinary woman, Brand believed he wouldn’t have forgotten if he had met her once.
But at this moment, Aunt Jenny’s image first appeared in his mind, followed by Little Roman, and finally Barba—an old and ugly woman. Brand was suddenly startled, and he abruptly recalled and blurted out, "Witch!" He remembered who this maiden was—the Ice Queen, the first Witch Queen before the golden age of witches.
Undoubtedly, a deep resonance emanated from within the Crystal, directly connecting to the ground, seemingly responding to something.
... (To be continued. If you love this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation or Monthly Tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
