CHAPTER 440: AREA CLEARED AND IMMEDIATE ESCAPE

[Area 1 Cleared]

[The Anchor Breach was temporarily sealed for 12 hours. Resetting the Anchor Core that can be found at Area 6 can close the breach.]

[Scanning the Area Core...]

[Multiple options have been generated regarding the use of Area Core].

[Option 1: Extract the Area Core data. Permanently provide Area 1’s information and the complete map of the area, along with Exit Zones and Hidden Chests for future explorations.]

[Option 2: Dissolve the Area Core to permanently enhance the cultivation base. Grants a one-time boost equivalent to one minor realm advancement for all party members (limited to Nascent Soul Stage or below).]

[Option 3: Sacrifice the Area Core to further destabilize Anchor - ACCB#0003. Reduces Foreign Energy Saturation and Aetheric Field effect by 30% and temporarily closes the bridge between the Anchor and the Outer Realm for 72 hours. (Note: This action may provoke retaliation from higher-tier entities in subsequent areas and may result in the Outer Realm pouring more resources to raise the difficulty in navigating towards the Anchor Core)]

Without thinking twice, Lin Mo picked Option 1.

The metallic core in his hand pulsed with a final, brilliant light before dissolving into a stream of pure data that flowed directly into his Store Token. The holographic map in his mind, previously a small, explored island in a sea of darkness, instantly expanded. The layout of the entire Area 1, all its strongholds, patrol routes, the five main fortresses, and three newly revealed ’Exit Zones’ were now marked with perfect clarity.

[Area 1 Data Extracted: Argent Covenant Staging Ground]

[Primary Inhabitants: Argent Covenant Legionaries (Standard Infantry), Decanus (Squad Leaders), Turmas (Light Cavalry), Decurions (Heavy Cavalry/Elite Guard), Centurions (Commanders)]

[Area 1 Map: Complete. Next Area Passageway (5), Exit Zones (4), Hidden Chests (5) marked.]

[Anchor Interference Protocol extracted additional data.]

[Foreign Energy is now designated as ’Aether’.]

[Primary Trait: Orderly/Metallic]

[Secondary Trait: Suppressive (against chaotic/spiritual energies)]

[Note: Prolonged exposure to concentrated Aether can cause ’Spiritual Stagnation’ in cultivators, hindering their cultivation progress. The Aether-forged armor acts as a filter for the Vindicators, allowing them to operate indefinitely.]

Lin Mo swiftly processed the influx of information. The details were invaluable. ’Spiritual Stagnation’. It was an insidious environmental hazard that explained why even the Nascent Soul experts were feeling the strain more than they should. Nevertheless, it was also quite similar to Highland Energy’s effect on cultivators. It reinforced the idea that even though they worked differently depending on which realm an individual came from, their roots are the same Dimension Essence.

"Boss, they’re here!" Xiaoyu’s urgent voice cut through his analysis.

Lin Mo quickly acted. He accessed the Anchor Interference Protocol and purchased the [Deploy Store Beacon] and [Disrupt Anchor Construction].

A new window popped up in front of everyone, informing them that the [Store Beacon] is now accessible and they can view their [Dimension Essence Wallet]. Although there wasn’t any Dimension Essence reward for clearing the area, they are rewarded a few with every kill ever since they entered the Anchor.

Then, the effect of disrupting the Anchor construction came in as the three passive Auras from the [Dimension Essence Upgrade] infiltrated the place, giving them the timely buff to disengage.

Although the door to the next area loomed before them, Lin Mo ordered a tactical retreat, "Let’s leave this place for now. Use your [Emergency Escape Talisman]!"

Liu Zhongzhu didn’t hesitate. He raised his hand, and the seventy elite experts, their movements now practiced, pulled out the familiar, life-saving talismans.

The Crown Prince and the other leaders did the same. Victory was one thing but surviving to enjoy it was another.

A wave of shimmering light washed over the fortress as eighty cultivators vanished in an instant, leaving behind a bewildered and enraged tide of Vindicators who found their primary targets had simply disappeared.

Lin Mo was the last to activate his talisman, his gaze sweeping over the incoming Vindicators one last time. He saw the remaining four Centurions roaring in frustration and fury.

They succeeded in clearing Area 1 but it did little damage to the foreign invaders inside the Anchor. The next group that will explore the place has to deal with them again and slowly progress from area to area in order to fully close the breach.

Still, with the Store Beacon and the Auras already deployed, it would be a bit easier. And like what he envisioned, this place would be another great leveling ground for the cultivators of the Eastern Abyssal Region and the patrons of the Divine Convenience Store.

The world dissolved into a familiar, dizzying blur. When his vision cleared, he was standing inside the makeshift fortress that the Flash Raid Army had already turned into a headquarters.

The cold night air hitting his face was a sharp contrast to the Aether-suffused atmosphere and the orange-tinted artificial sky of the Anchor.

A collective sigh of relief washed over the assembled experts. They had done it. They had breached the impenetrable fortress, defeated one of its commanders, and escaped with their lives and invaluable intelligence.

"That... was exhilarating!" Yan Wei declared, his arrogance returning now that the immediate danger was gone. "Did you see me? I tore through their ranks! This young master was unstoppable!"

"You were a reckless distraction. Besides, Zhou Rui also did well."

Jiang Jianxin commented coolly, cleaning a non-existent speck of dust from her sword as she gracefully stepped toward Lin Mo. Her eyes quietly scanned him for any injury.

Zhou Rui simply bowed his head. "I only did my duty to the Benefactor’s will."

Yan Wei flushed, about to retort, but was cut off by Liu Zhongzhu’s booming voice.

"Enough. Both of you fought with honor. Today, there is no Azure Gale or Crimson Vale, only patrons of the Divine Convenience Store."

He turned to Lin Mo, his expression one of profound respect.

"Shopkeeper, your strategy was flawless. And this..." He gestured to the celebrating army of cultivators who were now converging on their position, "... This victory belongs to you."

Lin Mo inwardly shook his head. He still found it weird to hear that kind of line. But he had to act.

"No, Master Liu. It belongs to all of us. To everyone who answered the call. Now, the real work begins."

He projected the newly completed map of Area 1 for all the raid leaders to see.

"The Anchor is now open to all patrons. The first area is mapped. The enemy’s tactics are known. Everyone now has the opportunity to lay siege to this area. And with this, the ’Realm Guardian Leaderboard’ is also officially active for this Anchor. Points will be awarded for every stronghold cleared and every Centurion defeated. The grand prize is still on the table for the first team to reset the Anchor Core."

His words were like a spark in a barrel of gunpowder. The already high morale of the army erupted into a frenzy of ambition. They now had a clear map, a clear objective, and a clear path to glory and reward.

The Crown Prince stepped forward. "Shopkeeper, I misjudged you before. Please accept my apologies. I’m now a firm believer of your ’convenience’."

Lin Mo nodded, but his mind was already on the next phase. "Dear customer, you don’t have to. Everyone is equal in our store. You’re all our precious patrons. Though it will be better if you also become a Golden Patron."

"Oh... I will surely visit the store to earn that title one of these days." The Crown Prince wryly smiled before looking at his royal sister who was subtly giggling at Lin Mo’s side.

His pride as the Crown Prince of the Southern Wu Kingdom was still intact but like Yan Wei, he understood where to stand after seeing all that, especially when Lin Mo also showed a combat prowess that’s not in any way inferior to his.

In the back of his mind, he slightly envied his sister. If he were also a woman, he’d probably jump at the opportunity to bring Lin Mo home and marry him. That’s how enticing he currently is.

Oblivious to Wu Tianlong’s thoughts, Lin Mo continued, "Master Liu, Your Highness, the initial assault is over. The next phase is attrition and exploration. I need you to coordinate with the other sect leaders to establish a rotating command. Organize the raid force into manageable battalions. Set up a forward command post here. The Celestial Shuttle Network is now also available for ease of movement but still, be wary of our enemies from the west."

"Mhm. You can count on us. The Liu Clan will maintain order here. Father... he will surely be delighted to continue assisting the store."

After that, Lin Mo didn’t take another second to rest.

He quickly pulled up the system interface with a thoughtful look on his face.

The experiment with the Vindicator armor was still fresh in his mind.

They had the hardware, but they lacked the ’software’ to test if inhabitants of the Realm of Nine Heavens can also wear it.

He navigated to the ’Mercenary & Adventurer’s Guild’ and drafted a new, highly specialized commission.

After reading what he had written, Lin Mo didn’t hit post right away. He needed the guidance of the divine beings first.

Besides, he also had to ask their views on everything he had implemented so far. With the Divine Lecture set for tomorrow, he’s ready to spend another all-nighter to converse with either the old man Taihao or Zhenren Lihua.