C14 Primordial Stone Fragment

In the afternoon, at the training hall, Luo Yan approached his mentor with a report. "Teacher Wai, I've made a breakthrough and have reached the Beginner Second Layer."

Wai Fenghua nodded in approval. "You've achieved the Half-moon Second Layer, and with 'Mountain and Sea Gazing,' your progress is impressive. You must have used quite a bit of tranquilizer, haven't you?"

Luo Yan confirmed with a nod.

"It's commendable that you're willing to invest so heavily in your training. Now, you're ready to start cultivating the second layer," Wai Fenghua continued. "The Beginner Second Layer is all about allowing the elementary force to permeate every inch of your body, every strand of muscle, making them as resilient as a mountain. The key to your cultivation is..."

Wai Fenghua proceeded to explain the intricacies of the process, just as he had done previously, while Luo Yan listened intently. Afterward, Luo Yan practiced his cultivation under Wai Fenghua's guidance.

Once the training session concluded, Wai Fenghua offered some advice. "For the next couple of days, don't push yourself too hard. Make sure you get plenty of rest. You'll need to be at your best after you enter the Forbidden Ground. Remember, in cultivation, as much as diligence is important, so is appropriate rest. Haste does not bring success."

Luo Yan took the advice to heart. With no classes on Saturday and Sunday, he was eager to make the most of his time. However, heeding Wai Fenghua's words, he refrained from overexerting himself in training. After a well-rested weekend, Monday arrived.

Early in the morning, the new students assembled on the training field, awaiting the arrival of their instructors. Suddenly, the ground shook, and several mechas marched onto the field. Among them were three humanoid mechas and one that resembled a massive wolf. This wolf-shaped mecha was predominantly dark with vivid red patterns that resembled flames, drawing gasps from many students.

"It's a 'Devil Machine'," Luo Yan murmured, recalling the mecha classifications from Zhao Yidan's lecture. The most common were the humanoid 'Profound' mechas. The 'Devil Machine,' a more exotic and challenging type to control, was not humanoid. Even with the aid of the Synesthesia System, mastering its controls was a formidable task.

Apart from these two types of mechs, there exists a third kind. However, Teacher Zhao didn't delve into details, merely mentioning it as 'confidential.' At that moment, a black humanoid mech adorned with bright yellow patterns and components took two steps forward. The mech was exceptionally bulky, with its arms being notably thick and extending past the knees. The outer shell was clearly beyond standard specifications, and it housed a specialized weapon system. When it halted, the cockpit hatch at the back of the head opened, and out climbed a pilot—a Warcaster.

This individual surveyed the scene from an elevated position, his gaze lingering on Luo Yan's face for a brief moment. Then, Wai Fenghua's voice rang out: "These mechs belong to our academy, and they are piloted by our third-year students. They are tasked with safeguarding the academy's personnel, and for them, this is also a significant test."

Pointing to the pilot of the black, heavy-duty mech, he introduced, "Hee Hao, a third-year student with a Meditating and Thinking Skill level of Middle Rank Third Layer. He's the captain of this squad. His mech is the Hell Thunder."

"Hell Thunder stands at 85.47 meters tall, weighs 1987 tons, and is equipped with the 'Horizon' operating system, third generation, with the 'Lightning' main engine and four auxiliary engines."

His finger then gestured towards the pilot emerging from the wolf-shaped mech—a girl. She boldly blew a kiss to the new students while seated atop her mech with legs crossed.

"Su Jiu, a third-year student with a Meditating and Thinking Skill level of Middle Rank Second Layer. She's the deputy captain. Her mech is the Devil Machine, Greedy Wolf."

"Greedy Wolf weighs 1685 tons and shares the same operating system, powered by the 'Wolf Pack' main engine and nine auxiliary engines."

After Wai Fenghua introduced the remaining two Warcasters, he issued a command: "Depart."

Shortly after, a fleet of vehicles rolled out from the Hundred Battles Academy. The excitement was palpable among the freshmen inside the cars, reminding Luo Yan of school trips from days gone by. Once aboard, each person received a suitcase.

Wai Fenghua explained, "What you're holding is the equipment issued to you by the academy. It includes a set of field combat gear, a set of light armor, as well as a firearm, ammunition, a military blade, and emergency medical supplies."

"These items won't stand a chance against the Behemoths, and they're not particularly effective against swarms of parasites either."

"However, they could come in handy if you happen to run into a Behemoth Parasite or two."

"So, gear up now."

The girls in the carriage gasped, "Here?"

"Doesn't that just give the boys a free show?"

Teacher Wai stated flatly, "Once you're in the Forbidden Ground, you're on the battlefield."

"There will be far more brutal things than this."

"If you don't want to die, cut the chatter."

In the back row, a girl opened her suitcase and silently stripped off her jacket.

She then donned a camouflage combat suit with a detached air.

"Lin Wei is so impressive; she's not the least bit concerned about being at a disadvantage."

"Well, she did place second in the academy trials; she's clearly no ordinary person."

A few girls whispered among themselves.

Luo Yan glanced at the girl who had scored just below him in the trials.

Lin Wei was tall and willowy.

Her black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail.

A ruby earring dangled from her left earlobe.

Her gaze was aloof, seemingly uninterested in anything.

Sensing Luo Yan's attention, Lin Wei returned the look.

Her eyes sparkled like a sky full of stars, profound and inscrutable.

Luo Yan found no discernible meaning in her gaze.

He then turned back, opened his own suitcase, and removed his jacket.

As Luo Yan shed his jacket, a murmur rippled through the carriage.

His body was a map of scars, a patchwork of old wounds and dark red blotches left by the Scarlet Poison.

His skin bore the marks of 'ugliness'.

Luo Yan was indifferent to the stares of others.

He swiftly dressed in his combat suit, secured his armor, and checked his rifle.

Once everyone had finished gearing up, Teacher Wai spoke up, "After we enter Misty Canyon, keep an eye out for a plant known as the Phoenix-Tail Flower."

"It's part of the ecosystem in No. 3 Forbidden Ground, home to the Giant Beasts."

"The Phoenix-Tail Flower is an evergreen shrub, named for its resemblance to the tail of a phoenix."

"At the same time, it's the favorite food of the Hegemony Level Giant Beasts, the Jiao."

"Its scent will attract the Jiao. If you spot it, stay away and don't pick it. Understood?"

The students all responded in agreement.

At that moment, Lee Bohang raised his hand and inquired, "Teacher Wai, what's the Surface Corps' mission to the Forbidden Ground this time?"

Wai Fenghua replied, "It's a routine mission. We're tasked with locating the Boundless and gathering the unique flora of the Forbidden Ground for use in various medicinal concoctions."

"If possible, we'll also eliminate some nearby Giant Beasts to prevent the expansion of the Forbidden Ground."

Boundless...

A dark and profound crystal flickered in Luo Yan's mind.

Previously, Di Zheng had retrieved a piece of Boundless from the Galaxy Stadium, which had attracted the Giant Beast Paykath en route.

Xiao Shi had covered this in a previous general knowledge class.

The Boundless is a byproduct of the Yanfu space.

During the Great Beast Calamity, it fell to the earth alongside the Giant Beasts.

The Boundless can impact terrestrial ecosystems, causing mutations in ordinary flora and fauna.

Moreover, Giant Beasts can absorb energy from the Boundless to evolve and enhance their rank.

This was also why the Taotie in the Galaxy Stadium was so protective of the Boundless.

Now, whenever the Yanfu space opens, Boundless occasionally falls to earth, but not in the quantities seen during the Great Beast Calamity.

Another student, furrowing his brow, said, "Teacher, I'm confused."

"You mentioned that Giant Beasts can evolve through the Boundless, which explains their need for it."

"But why do we humans collect it? Wouldn't it be better to just destroy it?"

Wai Fenghua cleared his throat and smiled, "It seems Xiao Shi hasn't discussed this with you. Well, let me explain."

"We collect the Boundless because it may contain Primordial Stone Fragments."

"Primordial Stone Fragments?"

A murmur of confusion rippled through the carriage.

Wai Fenghua nodded affirmatively, "Exactly."

"While the Boundless is indeed coveted by Giant Beasts, it sometimes contains a unique stone akin to white jade."

"This stone can induce mutations in the God's Treasury. Even the most inconsequential God's Treasury can become immensely powerful with the influence of this stone."

Inscriptions discovered in that world mention a peculiar stone known as the 'Primordial Stone Fragment.'

Luo Yan's spirit was shaken upon hearing this.

He quickly bowed his head.

He had finally uncovered the cause of his Aura Pupil's transformation.

And he understood the origin of the diamond-shaped white jade.

What he had acquired that day was indeed the Primordial Stone Fragment!

By now, the convoy had departed from Dungeon City.

They emerged onto the surface.

Intense sunlight poured in through the windows.

The students were momentarily captivated by the sunlight outside.

They crowded around the windows.

Even the usually aloof Lin Wei subtly turned her head to gaze outside.

These students were unlike Luo Yan.

They hadn't seen daylight in many years.

Having the opportunity to reach the surface, their excitement was palpable.

At the lake's edge, the academy's convoy joined forces with the Surface Exploration Corps and set off toward the northwest.

Three days later, they reached the No. 3 Forbidden Ground, Misty Canyon.

It was midday as they entered the canyon.

One moment, the sun was blazing outside.

The next, the light dimmed abruptly, as if they had entered another realm.

From the window, Luo Yan could see.

Near the Forbidden Ground's perimeter, the fog was nearly invisible, but looking further, the vista was engulfed in gray mist.

Occasional lightning streaked through the dense fog, revealing eerie silhouettes within.

An unexplainable sense of mystery and danger pervaded the atmosphere.

Once inside the canyon.

Both the Surface Corps and the academy's convoy were escorted.

Warcasters emerged from their transport pods, flanking the vehicles.

The presence of these towering mechs should have been reassuring.

Yet, upon entering the canyon, even the most stoic students grew tense, falling silent.

Just when Luo Yan thought this silence would last until they camped for the night,

a sudden announcement came from the carriage's speaker: "Attention, a large beast has been spotted ahead."

"Accessing matching database..."

"...Matching complete. The beast ahead is confirmed to be a 'Gu'."

"Level: Low-rank Level 3."

"Type: Caterpillar."

"Characteristics: Immense Strength, Penetrating Power, Shockwaves!"

Note: The term 'Gu' is pronounced 'Si', with the fourth tone, identical to the pronunciation of the number 'four'.