Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Demon Realm’s Gate_1

”The challenge begins. Level 5: one Level 1 Intermediate Zombie.”

Wen Yu looked relaxed. The term ”intermediate” simply meant its physique was average for Level 1, only about five to nine points.

A flash of white light, and a gaunt figure appeared. Before anyone could get a good look at this level of zombie, Wen Yu dashed forward, saber in hand.

This time, Wen Yu didn’t go for a showy vertical slice. Instead, he executed a standard horizontal slash across the zombie’s neck.

The freshly-spawned zombie hadn’t even managed a good look at the world before its head was lopped off. Its mouth opened and closed, but no sound emerged.

This zombie was not particularly robust.

”Challenge successful. Reward: two Level 1 magic crystals of any attribute. Do you wish to challenge the next level?”

”Continue.”

Wen Yu looked at the magic crystals in his hand. Although Level 1 magic crystals were no longer useful to him or his Soul Beasts, they were valuable currency in the apocalypse. Naturally, Wen Yu wouldn’t discard them like trash.

Three streaks of white light flashed on the stage, and only then did the announcement belatedly arrive.

”Challenge begins. Level 6: three Level 1 Intermediate Zombies.”

The moment the three zombies landed, they howled and lunged at Wen Yu.

Their speeds were nearly identical; all three zombies astonishingly possessed physiques of nine points.

What kind of speed could a nine-point physique generate?

The three zombies had appeared a mere ten meters from Wen Yu.

A second later, Wen Yu and the three zombies were locked in combat.

Their movements were so swift that the four people watching from below could only see afterimages.

”Oh my goodness! Who the heck is this kid? How can he be so strong? This is cheating, this is definitely cheating!” Lin Li yelled from below the stage.

Before his words had finished echoing, the outcome on the stage was already decided.

One zombie was sent flying by a direct kick, the immense force tearing its body in half at the waist, spilling guts and organs all over the floor.

Humans and zombies both possess innately low defensive power.

The zombie felt no pain and quickly tried to crawl towards Wen Yu, but he crushed its skull underfoot.

With a flash of his saber, Wen Yu beheaded another zombie. The last one had barely opened its fetid mouth when Wen Yu smacked it across the face, sending its teeth flying. The zombie stumbled, and Wen Yu swiftly impaled its head with his saber, ending it instantly.

Wen Yu’s gaze fell upon Lin Li. Wen Yu had heard his earlier outburst. Lin Li visibly flinched under Wen Yu’s stare. Even though Wen Yu’s eyes betrayed no emotion, Lin Li couldn’t shake the feeling of being targeted by a monstrous beast.

”Challenge successful. Reward: one F-Class protective jade pendant. Do you wish to continue the challenge?”

This time, Wen Yu didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he first examined the reward in his hand.

F-Class Protective Jade Pendant: Can withstand 100 full-force attacks from Level 1 creatures, 10 full-force attacks from Level 2 creatures, and one full-force attack from a third-level creature. Consumable item.

”Not a bad little thing,” Wen Yu grinned with satisfaction. For Level 1 professionists, this is a lifesaver. It seems the Treasure Land is offering some decent rewards this time.

”Continue the challenge.” The recent intense fight had left Wen Yu understandably excited.

In his past life, he had been stuck at Peak Level 1 for a long time. Wen Yu recognized the familiar sensation.

”Challenge begins. Level 7: one Peak Level 1 zombie. Go for it, Challenger! The final prize awaits you!”

Wen Yu listened to the announcement in surprise. He hadn’t expected the Treasure Land’s notification system to encourage him. What was the meaning of this?

Before Wen Yu could ponder it further, the zombie opposite him charged fiercely.

They both had similar attributes, and Wen Yu, in his normal state, had no special abilities.

Although zombies possessed innate limitations, their agility had significantly improved at this level. During the previous challenge, Wen Yu had almost been bitten by the last zombie. If he were injured early on, the subsequent challenges would become increasingly difficult.

Wen Yu immediately entered his combat state.

His 20-point physique allowed his steel saber to become a dazzling silver light as he swung it. The zombie had just pounced when it was enveloped by the saber’s light.

When the silver light faded, the zombie lay on the ground, cut into five pieces by four distinct wounds.

”Challenge successful. Reward: one space teleportation scroll. Level 8: three Peak Level 1 zombies. Challenge... begins!”

Before Wen Yu could react, the Treasure Land challenge commenced abruptly.

What’s going on? The rules of the Treasure Land were clearly displayed on the Stone Pillar. This time, however, it didn’t ask if he wished to continue and instead started the next challenge directly.

Moreover, the tone of the notification was becoming increasingly perplexing to Wen Yu; it clearly conveyed curiosity, anticipation, and even a hint of schadenfreude.

The zombies didn’t care what Wen Yu was thinking; baring their fangs and claws, they charged at him.

In his combat state, Wen Yu naturally had no fear of such a challenge. Not to mention his terrifying Soul Strike ability, his physique alone—double that of his opponents—gave him a crushing advantage.

The three zombies were dispatched one after another. Gazing at the bloody carnage, Wen Yu became even more curious about this Treasure Land. It felt as if someone was manipulating it.

”Challenge successful. Reward: one F-Class space ring. Powerful Challenger, the final level! This is an opportunity, but also a crisis! The battle of life and death begins now!”

The once clear and crisp electronic voice was now completely distorted and warped, filled with an intensity and fervor that made even Wen Yu’s blood boil.

Twenty meters directly in front of him, where the Treasure Land’s white teleportation light had been, now stood a large black gate. Dense, purple patterns pulsed with light on its surface.

”The Demon Realm’s Gate!!!” Wen Yu exclaimed upon seeing the gate.

”This is impossible! How can the Demon Realm’s Gate appear at this time?”

The gate before him was identical to the Demon Realm’s Gate from his past life. However, it was hundreds of times smaller, only about the size of a person.

Wen Yu was still reeling from the shock of seeing the Demon Realm’s Gate when a childlike voice suddenly spoke near his ear. ”Eh? You know this is the Demon Realm’s Gate? Where have you seen it before?”

”Who is it?” Wen Yu instinctively swung his battle saber behind him.

But there was no one there.

Below the stage, he could only see Guan Tao and the other three, their faces etched with envy, apprehension, and even fear as they looked at him.

Wen Yu quickly scanned his surroundings.

”Stop searching, kid,” the voice continued. ”I am the Guardian of this Treasure Land. You can’t find me. The entire Treasure Land is my backyard, MUAHAHA!”

”Who are you?” Wen Yu demanded.

A deep fear of this unknown entity gripped Wen Yu. I can’t see this person at all, and they claim to be the Guardian of this Treasure Land. But in my past life, I never heard of Treasure Lands having Guardians.

Besides, judging from the expressions on Guan Tao and the others just now, they clearly didn’t hear the voice I did.

”You’re an interesting kid, knowing about the Demon Realm’s Gate. Hmm, could it be...”

”Never mind, I won’t dwell on it. Right now, lad, you shouldn’t be worrying about who I am. Instead, focus on the Demon Realm’s Gate in front of you. Since you know it’s the Demon Realm’s Gate, then you should know what kind of opponent you’ll face in this final level. Survive first. If you’re still alive after this, this young master wouldn’t mind having a little chat with you!”