The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1462 1462: Monsters Gather

[Dark Universe Channel - Klaus's POV]

Once they departed from Planet Stella, Lord Victor gave a map fragment to Klaus.

Klaus's role in the mission involves guiding his four teammates to obtain at least one drop of Immortal Essence Water, which is thought to be concealed somewhere within the Jade Nest.

The fragment of the map in their possession might guide them to it, or perhaps not. No one has truly entered the Jade Nest since its sealing, making this map a relic from the era when bold warriors attempted to plunder from the Jade Ant Queen.

"Around fourteen map fragments exist. Legend holds that assembling all 14 would reveal a full map of the Jade Nest. Sadly, some unknown individual shattered it. Thus, you must proceed with just this one."

Lord Victor halted, drawing in a deep breath. "Should you encounter a team eager to exchange maps and you deem them trustworthy, collaborate to gain a broader view of the nest.

Upon reaching Planet Jade Mine, I'll consult some of my contacts to possibly align maps prior to your entry. Still, exercise caution. The Nest isn't a playground.

Though suppressed to True Immortal level, that limitation likely won't endure. Rumors swirl of a hidden plot behind it all, so stay vigilant. Once you secure the Immortal Essence Water and find nothing more, exit immediately."

Klaus and his teammates gave nods of agreement.

Yet Klaus focused intently on the map.

Up on the second floor of the inheritance tower, Kaden halted his session against the battle doll, inhaling deeply. A grin then spread across his features...

[Seems we're heading back to that terrifying spot at last.]

He transmitted a memory to Klaus.

Within the memory, Efad—renowned across realms as the Star Monarch, ninth paragon—delved into the Jade Ant Queen's Nest domain, aiming to claim her as a contracted beast.

Back then, Efad was only a demigod, yet he commanded over a million formidable beasts, including numerous gods.

Such might fueled his boldness toward the Jade Ant Queen. He was convinced her alliance would position him to defy the Heavens Court.

To cut it short, Efad lost every link to his beasts. Unable to summon aid, he found himself encircled on all fronts. When he finally fled, he was missing an arm, a leg, and an eye.

He avoided the place until his dying day. Now, it seemed they'd return.

This round, though he might sever ties with his beast legion, his four external bodies allow him to circumvent the barrier and summon assistance effortlessly.

'I hope her spirit fails to spot me, or I'll depart minus half my limbs this time.'

Kaden chuckled, while Orion and Rhazor smirked elsewhere.

Kaden eyed the battle doll that had thrashed him soundly over recent days, smirking before continuing:

[If you stumble upon our detached arm and legs, please retrieve them. We can't let remnants of our disgraceful history fall into others' grasp, right?]

'Indeed not.'

Kaden flashed a grin and charged at the battle doll anew.

Klaus, meanwhile, faced Lord Victor. "Have no doubts; we'll accomplish the task."

The lord nodded, reclining in his seat. He'd already devised a method for his 10th Immortal Ring, leaving just two more ahead. Securing the Immortal Essence Water would enable the 11th.

Forming the 12th Immortal Ring would birth his law core, elevating him to demigod. With 12 rings and a Celestial master, godhood—and top-tier power—awaited soon.

This quest held immense weight. Klaus grasped that, as did his four teammates. Rory understood her father's goal, committing fully to aid him.

***

Six hours passed before they pierced Planet Jade Mine's atmosphere. Instantly, Klaus detected the spiritual qi thickening and tainting the air.

"Once a prized world in the human universe for its jade and spirit crystals, this planet suffered a catastrophe when a major mine erupted, spewing poisons skyward.

Immortal-stage folk and below perished overnight, save a handful. Even immortals couldn't linger, leading to abandonment after some years.

Investigations later revealed the blast stemmed from a gateway to the Jade Ant Queen's Nest bursting open. The spiritual qi is poisonous—avoid inhaling it."

Klaus nodded. But he ignored Lord Victor's advice. Even if inclined, he couldn't, due to the changes erupting as they breached the atmosphere.

<A unique energy has been discovered: Condensed Poison Spirit Qi.>

<Your ????? is trying to refine it.>

<Your ????? has successfully refined the Condensed Poison Spirit Qi into Spiritual Essence.>

<Your ????? is absorbing the Spiritual Essence.>

Klaus found himself at a loss for words. Inwardly, though, he felt thrilled to discover that even poisoned spiritual qi could be absorbed by him.

This left him pondering exactly what kind of energy his mysterious power, gradually stirring within his soul sea, might fail to refine and take in.

As the ship glided through the clouds, Klaus noticed his absorption rate of the essence speeding up. Yet, since it brought no boost to his cultivation, he paid it no mind.

Minutes passed before they burst from the clouds, at which point his eyes fell upon thousands of immortals assembled and awaiting the gate's opening.

Most of them were Immortal Lords. Obviously, all sought to brace for any possibility. Klaus overlooked them, however, fixing his attention on the demigods and gods present.

They resembled Lord Victor in that regard. Each had led their followers here to venture into the Jade Nest.

After securing a landing spot, they stepped off the ship, immediately drawing countless stares. Klaus, naturally, became the focal point. Numerous individuals recognized him on sight.

Murmurs rippled outward, and quickly, his enemies revealed themselves through their murderous glares aimed at him. To Klaus's astonishment, even certain gods cast cold stares his way.

Regrettably, they couldn't strike him down right there in public. Such a move would unleash the Burning Angel's rage and the Mission Hall's fury. Hence, they bided their time for the Jade Nest interior.

They claimed a resting area, and Lord Victor stepped aside to greet some acquaintances. With him away, Klaus scanned the surroundings, meeting the gazes of his apparent adversaries and curling his lips into a smirk.

"Looks like you are very popular, Renegade Hunter," Omen said, a smile forming on his face.

Klaus chuckled. "It appears so. Though I can't help but wonder how many of them will be returning from the Nest alive should they follow through on their threat."

The chilling atmosphere intensified when those who heard what he said unleashed more killing intent.

Just when things were about to escalate, a sudden soothing voice filled with vitality and peace spread across the place, bringing calm to everyone's heart, Klaus included.

"So you are the infamous Renegade Hunter,"