【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 525 [Empire] Threat

As we eliminated the threat posed by those powerful roots, the tension in the air grew even more intense. The surroundings were still filled with the scent of decaying plants, and shadows lingered around us like living creatures. Everyone remained on high alert, their eyes fixed on the surroundings.

"Keep going," I whispered, my tone unmistakable and resolute.

Qianmo nodded, walking beside me with a serious expression. His hands occasionally reached out to some of the plants beside him, as if sensing their status and ensuring we wouldn't encounter any sudden attacks again.

However, as we delved deeper into the ruins, the surrounding vegetation grew even stranger. Its color deepened, some almost black and purple, and the edges of its branches and leaves were coated in a sticky liquid, giving it an eerie sheen. The air was thicker and thicker with the stench of decay, a trace left behind by the constant mutation of the plants and their surroundings.

"Have you noticed that the plants around you are different from before?" Qianmo suddenly spoke with a hint of uneasiness in his tone.

I paused, took a deep breath, and carefully observed my surroundings. Indeed, while the surrounding plants looked similar to the ones I'd just seen, each one seemed to possess a far more powerful energy. Their branches were unusually tough, and their leaves were marked with irregular cracks, as if bearing the marks of intense pressure.

"These plants no longer seem to be simply combat plants," I mused. "They might be undergoing some kind of mutation or evolution."

"Evolution?" Qianmo frowned. "Do you mean they've become stronger?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's become more dangerous. We're not just dealing with combat plants now, but potentially some kind of mutated plant that's even more threatening."

Just as we were lost in contemplation of these plant mutations, the ground suddenly shook violently, as if some gigantic creature were moving underground, causing the surrounding plants to tremble violently.

"Ready!" I quickly drew my weapon, my face solemn. "What's coming has finally come."

Qianmo immediately prepared his plant-based abilities, clenching his fists. A flicker of determination flashed in his eyes. His abilities weren't just for defense; they also allowed him to manipulate the growth and form of plants. In this environment, his abilities were a double-edged sword. We could harness the power of plants, but at the same time, we could also become their prey.

"It's coming!" Qianmo said in a low voice, without a trace of hesitation on his face.

Suddenly, dozens of massive vines burst forth from the ground, instantly trapping us. I was astonished by the sheer thickness and girth of each vine. As if driven by some powerful force, they swiftly pounced upon us, their movements swift and brutal.

I quickly directed my team to disperse, avoiding a simultaneous attack from the vines. With Qianmo's help, the surrounding plants were quickly manipulated into a defensive barrier, blocking some of the vines' attack. However, as these vines advanced, the air around us grew heavier, and even the temperature seemed to drop instantly.

"Don't be distracted, focus on attacking their roots!" I ordered loudly.

The team members launched a counterattack, and powerful energy shockwaves bombarded the roots of the vines. The vines immediately let out a deafening wail, and the violent vibrations shook the entire ground. We could only continue to advance in this chaos, fighting these mutated plants while searching for deeper secrets.

At this moment, the ground shook violently again, and I felt a massive force coming from underground, as if some massive life form were awakening. Suddenly, several vines, thicker than before, emerged from the ground. Their surface seemed covered in a hard shell, as if covered in some kind of metal, and gleamed with a cold light.

"What is that?" Qianmo was stunned. He obviously didn't expect to have such a strong opponent.

I stared at the mutated plants, feeling a sense of unease. Clearly, we haven't reached their core yet, only encountered outposts. If we go any deeper, we might face an even more deadly threat.

"Prepare for battle!" I ordered coldly, the weapon in my hand flashing with a cold light. "Whatever it is, we must defeat it!"

As I finished speaking, the team members formed up around me again, engaging in a desperate battle with the giant vines. The air around us was filled with sparks from explosions and the smell of rotting plants, and a tense atmosphere enveloped the entire ruins.

I know that what happens next may determine our life or death.