Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1339: Sea of ​​Blood

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Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
Luozhuo revealed his plan to use sleeper agents to destabilize the great families and Sangha Monastery while he heads to the Demon Kingdom for its treasure. Meanwhile, Zhang Yi and a large army depart for the Demon Kingdom's entrance, a sealed bluestone gate surrounded by a pool of blood. After the gate is partially opened by the Lord of the Charnel Ground, a terrifying wave of bones erupts, engulfing many.

Assisted by Yang Xinxin, Zhang Yi had delved into historical records concerning the Snowy Plateau Region. It was revealed that Master Padmasambhava was indeed an eminent figure within the esoteric sect, credited with a crucial role, alongside King Gesar, in vanquishing the Demon Kingdom.

"Khenpo Deji, are you postulating that this object serves as a seal?" A voice emerged from the assembled crowd, belonging to a mercenary affiliated with the Xia Zha family.

Deji cast a measured glance in his direction and, seeking to allay any burgeoning fear, commenced his explanation. "This portal is designated as the [Gate of Eternal Severance]. Historians recount that following King Gesar's triumph over the Demon Kingdom, its inhabitants retreated into the subterranean Demon Abyss."

"It is widely believed that the Demonic People derive their formidable power from this Demon Abyss. Their sustained strength hinges upon daily offerings made to this abyss, which also serves as their ultimate resting place."

"King Gesar and Master Padmasambhava once contemplated an assault on the Demon Abyss, yet the prevailing conditions within proved exceedingly hostile, rendering survival impossible for ordinary individuals. Their forces succumbed to severe acclimatization issues mere moments after entry."

"Consequently, upon Master Padmasambhava's counsel, King Gesar commissioned the creation of this Gate of Eternal Severance, accompanied by a prophecy foretelling that the one destined to breach this gate would ultimately bring an end to the Demon Kingdom's scourge."

He gestured towards the disconcerting expanse of white bones before them. "This gate has been consecrated with the very essence of one hundred thousand Demonic People and fallen warriors. Behind it lie their accumulated remains, their residual souls harnessed to erect a formidable barrier, effectively preventing the re-emergence of the Demon Kingdom's denizens."

At this revelation, the full import of the skeletal remains became apparent to all. A hundred thousand souls—a figure often relegated to historical footnotes—yet to witness its manifestation firsthand delivered a profound and staggering impact.

"Everyone, let us proceed! Heed this warning: the Demon Kingdom is fraught with peril. Strict adherence to our directives throughout this journey is paramount; failure to comply will result in personal accountability for any ensuing consequences!" Deji's gaze swept across the representatives of the other three families, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity.

Once the stagnant atmosphere beyond the stone gate had dispersed, the Lord of the Charnel Ground took the initial step into the domain of the Demon Kingdom. The monk soldiers of the Yasha Langtai family and the private contingent from Sangha Monastery followed in close succession.

Zhang Yi surveyed the expanse beyond the threshold. It was an abyss of impenetrable darkness, offering no discernible features, yet it exuded a palpable aura of menace and dread, as if unseen eyes were fixed upon the group from the gloom, sending shivers down their spines.

The members from the other factions exchanged glances before venturing forward as well. With the Lord of the Charnel Ground leading the way, a measure of reassurance settled among them.

Pagyi Gesang offered his farewell to Zhang Yi and departed the area. Subsequently, Zhang Yi, accompanied by his comrades and the five hundred elite soldiers of the Pagyi Family, traversed the mysterious stone gate.

Fully equipped and clad in combat suits, the group felt a sense of preparedness. Zhang Yi, endowed with the [All Things Follow Traces] ability, harbored minimal concern regarding unforeseen ambushes.

However, upon crossing the threshold of the stone gate, even Zhang Yi could not suppress a jolt of astonishment at the scene that unfolded.

"Whoosh!"

Fatty Xu stumbled upon exiting, nearly losing his equilibrium. It was only through Old You's timely intervention that he avoided a complete fall. This was not due to any inherent clumsiness on flat terrain, but rather the bewildering reality that lay beyond the stone gate: an colossal mountain comprised entirely of skeletons!

Bones, bleached white, were piled high, forming a macabre peak. The stone gate was embedded precisely in the center of this ossuary. Their entire field of vision was dominated by bone, and a single misstep threatened to engulf them.

Yet, the true terror lay beyond this initial shock.

Zhang Yi ascended the bone mountain, his gaze extending into the distance, his heart overwhelmed by an immeasurable sense of awe.

The others followed suit, and from their vantage point atop the elevated bone structure, they too were profoundly shaken.

For beyond the mountain of bones lay an unfathomably vast and boundless panorama: a sea of blood. Its crimson depths emanated a foul, overwhelming stench, saturated with an intense aura of death.

It was only then that Zhang Yi truly comprehended the origin of the blood-tinged water they had encountered earlier.

The Sea of Blood stretched to an immense, immeasurable horizon. A sickly purple miasma hovered above its surface—a deadly, potent poison. Had they not been encased in their combat suits, a single inhalation of this vapor would have proven fatal.

Over two thousand individuals emerged from the stone gate, utterly unprepared for the horrifying spectacle that greeted them.

Nevertheless, they were not entirely without recourse.

From the ranks of the Yasha Langtai family, soldiers promptly retrieved bundles of hide from their packs, swiftly assembling them into makeshift kayaks along the perimeter of the Sea of Blood.

Soon, a multitude of kayaks materialized by the water's edge. Boarding these vessels, they commenced their journey across the expanse. The other families, too, had made their preparations. Given the frequent appearance of underground rivers, the foresight to procure such conveyances was hardly unfounded. Chodak approached, extending an invitation for Zhang Yi to accompany them on a kayak. After a moment's consideration, Zhang Yi accepted. Despite possessing the ability to fly, he preferred to avoid drawing undue attention at this juncture. Together, the four of them, along with the cat, embarked on a kayak steered by Chodak, while two soldiers took up the oars. More than a hundred kayaks advanced in a measured, unhurried procession. Uncertainty lingered regarding potential encounters, necessitating a cautious pace. On the Pagyi family's side, a soldier immersed his hand into the River of Blood, agitating it slightly before reporting to Chodak and Zhang Yi. "Captain, Sir A, this water is saturated with a potent corpse poison. No living organism could possibly endure it." This particular soldier, a superhuman with control over poisons, remained unconcerned about personal contamination. Chodak nodded in agreement. "Excellent. Facing such a vast Sea of Blood, it would have been perilous indeed if a monstrous entity were to emerge and launch an assault!" While they were clad in combat suits, traversing this boundless Sea of Blood was an insurmountable challenge. Should their kayaks be compromised, their fate would be sealed. Just as Chodak concluded his statement, a piercing scream echoed from a nearby location. "Ah!!" Zhang Yi, Chodak, and the rest instantly tensed, their gazes snapping in the direction of the commotion. They observed a soldier pointing into the distance, his face etched with panic. "There's... there's something!" All eyes followed his gesture. Indeed, an object was visible, bobbing rhythmically upon the surface of the Sea of Blood. Shortly thereafter, similar exclamations arose from various points. "People in the water! There are people in the water!" "There are some over here, too!" "Prepare for combat!" Although the soldiers had been briefed and mentally braced for potential casualties, the sight of such an inexplicable phenomenon still stirred an undeniable fear within their hearts. At that critical moment, a stout lama from Sangha Monastery rose, his eyes alight with sharpness as he fixed his gaze upon a spot where ripples disturbed the water's surface. Drawing a lengthy chain from his sleeve, he expertly lashed out towards the disturbance! "Splash!" Accompanied by the sound of displaced water, a crimson shape was yanked from the depths of the Sea of Blood. With marked caution, the portly lama deposited the retrieved object onto the boat. A closer inspection revealed his dismissive sneer. "I thought it was something substantial! Alas, it is merely a corpse." He then announced to those nearby, "No need for alarm, everyone! It's just a corpse!" Those within earshot, upon hearing it was merely a corpse, experienced a considerable sense of relief, presuming it to be some peculiar form of creature. However, Zhang Yi and his companions maintained their vigilance, unwilling to let down their guard in the slightest. "That's not right! How could there be corpses here?" Zhang Yi vociferated. His pointed question alerted everyone. Examining the corpse, it appeared remarkably well-preserved, suggesting a recent demise. Floating amidst the currents, the origin of such a multitude of deceased individuals remained a perplexing mystery.