The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

The Jade Princess didn’t say anything, and neither did the veiled lady, for a few minutes before she sighed.

”Master, do you think I will succeed in this endeavor?” She paused and exhaled. ”You know, at retrieving the Jade Pendant.”

The veiled lady looked out the window, her gaze landing on Klaus, who retrieved a golden fruit from his space ring and started to eat without a care for all the looks he was getting.

”What an interesting guy. I have met many prodigies, but he seems different, almost as if he sees himself as better than everyone. While a bit arrogant, he might just be onto something,” she smiled behind her veil and turned to the Princess.

”My dear student, you have been preparing for this expedition for 200 years. You did all the research you needed and even identified the Pendant’s location, so naturally, you should be able to retrieve it.

When I had just become a True Immortal, the Jade Ant Queen came out of her nest after who knows how long. She had just reached the peak of the Supreme stage and was looking to become a Celestial, so she embarked on a pilgrimage around the universe.

I had the blessing of meeting her in person once. It was then that I got to see the Pendant up close. Later, I discovered that it is one of the three Primal Chaos Pendants said to have been born from the Primal Chaos Storm.

Years later, I discovered that the Pendant holds the key to overcoming the mental barrier that plagues mind cultivators as they ascend to godhood.

So, my dear disciple, regardless of what you are feeling right now, know that for the sake of reaching the peak and one day having the power to command all minds, you must get your hands on that pendant.”

The Jade Princess nodded, her fist clenched and eyes filled with determination.

The veiled lady smiled yet again. ”You know, in the vast universe, only a few people managed to reach the realm of godhood and ascended beyond with mind cultivation as the grassroots.

The Hive Queen was the first to reach godhood and even take it all the way to the Supreme stage, and eventually barely made it to the Celestial stage. Of course, her advantage was that she was an insect tamer.

The second was the Formation Queen. She also reached the Celestial stage. Of course, knowing she was from the Zorvian family, it was only normal.

The third was the 9th Paragon. He was only at the demigod stage when he died, but he was able to cultivate his mind to the Celestial stage. Then again, we both know the Paragon is an abnormal existence.

Aside from these three, there are many others, myself included. The thing, however, is that we cannot move past where we are now, but you will, and I know you know that.

This is also why I will advise you to take this mission seriously. Also, it will be good if you employ the help of the renegade hunter.”

”Huh, why?”

”Do you even have to ask?” The veiled lady stood up and walked toward the Jade Princess. ”When you tested his mental defense, what happened?”

The Jade Princess fidgeted with her finger for a moment before answering in an embarrassed tone, ”I met a brick wall, literally. It was like his mind has this invincible wall around it.”

The other four ladies beside her turned and looked at each other. Clearly, they never expected to hear that answer come from their usually prideful Princess.

The veiled lady, however, expected it.

”I also tested him, but failed. This can only mean one of two things. First, it can be that his mind is very robust, such that even a Universal God cannot mess with it. Of course, I never really tried, but what I saw was enough to say this.

The second being his Master, the Burning Angel, has given him a treasure that can shield him from mind attacks from even gods.

If that happens to be the case, then on your quest to retrieve an item that every mind cultivator probably needs, you will need to have a team that has strong mental defense.

I have no doubt the Pendant will be protected. So even if you don’t trust him, hire him. He is a warrior, so pay him to help you.”

The veiled lady teleported into her seat and looked out the window again. This time, her gaze landed on Rory. ”You can get to him through the young lady beside him. I know you two have a past,”

The Jade Princess nodded and started to think. A few minutes later, she exhaled and thanked her master. Then she closed her eyes to ponder on some other things.

Meanwhile, on the outside, Klaus gave the same fruit he was eating to his teammates as they waited for Lord Victor. After 20 minutes, he returned with a dejected sigh.

”No luck, huh?” Klaus asked, and he nodded.

”None of them want to compare maps. Clearly, they all want to be the first ones to reach the treasures their maps lead to.”

”Can’t really blame them. However, you don’t have to worry, we already have two fragments, and even better, I have already found the location of what we wanted.”

”Really?” Lord Victor asked with a delighted gaze.

”Indeed. The 7th Jade Princess was kind enough to compare maps. As it happens, what we seek is hidden between the two map fragments. This also means someone here has a map that points directly to where we need to go.

But since we don’t have it, we will just have to enter that place blindly. But rest assured, we will get there regardless of the danger.”

”This is good news. Though you must be careful. The majority of the people entering are elites from their various clans and factions. Some also seem to have some anger issues toward you, so be careful.”

Klaus nodded.

An hour later, a hum came from a cave a couple of kilometers away, sending out waves of condensed Spiritual Qi. Everyone turned in that direction.

”The gateway is opening,” Lord Victor said, looking in the direction of the cave. A few minutes later, another hum sounded, and then a beam of light descended on the cave, causing the small mountain to shatter, revealing a beautiful jade-like gateway.

”It has finally opened.” Many started rushing over to enter.

”Remember, the gate will remain open for a year, so do whatever you want to do before then. Of course, if you are done and want to leave, there will be several exits littered across the Nest. Find one, and you will be taken out.”

Klaus and his teammates nodded.

Looking at the gateway, Klaus could tell many had already entered. While they were standing there, the silver ship opened again, and the Jade Princess walked out, followed by four others.

Passing by Klaus and his team, she cast him a sidelong glance before moving away. After they were gone, Klaus turned to his teammates. ”Let’s go.”

They nodded and followed him. A few seconds later, they were only a few meters away from the gateway.

Rory retrieved the jade token and activated it. A blue bubble formed around all five of them, and without even making any move, they were dragged toward the portal.

Just when they were about to enter, Klaus caught sight of a man clad in a dark hooded cloak making a killing gesture toward him.

He said nothing and entered. Before him, however, a message hovered, written in red.