The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse Chapter 1467: Corrupted Danger

The expedition to the Jade Ant Nest was designated for Klaus, accompanied by Rory, Omen, Slate, and Echo. Their primary objective was to procure a single drop of the fabled Immortal Essence water, believed to have been present in the Jade Nest during the reign of the Jade Ant Queen.

Obtaining this essence would prove instrumental for Lord Victor in the formation of his tenth immortal ring.

This constituted the core mission objective.

However, Klaus was entrusted with secondary objectives as well, one of which involved devising a method to augment Asha’s Legion of Ant Soldiers with additional Ant Queens.

Admittedly, he lacked knowledge regarding the demise of Queen Mantis, which led him to believe that obtaining some of her kin, potentially still residing within the Nest, would be feasible.

Regrettably, this was not to be the case, as the Heavens Court had already annihilated both her and her progeny, concealing their involvement to the point where no one was aware of their hand in the matter.

Nevertheless, he now possessed something even more valuable.

Should he succeed in reaching the Nirvana Egg and safeguarding the nascent Jade Ant Queen, Asha would not only gain an immensely powerful queen who, within a few years, would elevate her might to unprecedented levels, but with the Star Monarch Bloodline, the Jade Ant Queen would evolve into a terrifying entity.

He could not permit such a treasure to elude his grasp.

Asha deserved the utmost, as did Queen Mantis. Therefore, why not unite the two and witness their future potential?

Observing Queen Mantis's expression of astonishment, he was convinced she would gladly accept a contract with Asha.

The reason?

Similar to all Insect Queens, whether living or deceased, they held a singular idol in high regard – the Primordial Hive Queen, a being even the first Paragon treated with apprehension.

"You need not be solely shocked just yet, Queen Mantis. The prior occasion I visited, I presented my blood; today, I offer both my blood and the opportunity to unite with your idol.

You were once a formidable existence that posed a threat to the heavens. In their fear, they sought to subjugate you and place you under their control. When you refused, their true intentions were unveiled.

Fortunately, you now have a second chance at existence. The decision rests with your reincarnated self. After all, I cannot compel you. However, be aware that I shall exert every effort to ensure your rescue from the heavens' grasp. This, I pledge to you."

"Thank you, Paragon. I shall do everything within my power to assist you." She sighed and disclosed, "However, I must be candid. Due to the intervention of the Celestial Supreme, my Nest has descended into chaos and has slipped from my command.

In my absence, peculiar beasts and abominations have emerged, and they now proliferate, wreaking havoc upon all they encounter.

Unfortunately, upon invoking the will of this Nest, I decreed that entities not conceived within this realm when the second core was employed for its sealing would be suppressed to the True Immortal stage.

Consequently, the beasts present within will not be subject to this suppression. The same applies to the 1,200 Heaven Warriors I confined here and utilized as an energy source." She closed her eyes and drew a breath.

"I can sense their awakening, and indeed, they are quite enraged and somewhat corrupted."

Klaus nodded and inquired,

"How formidable have they become, and to what extent has corruption affected them?"

"Of the 1,200 Heaven Warriors, 1,118 have regressed to the Immortal Lord stage. They were Peak Demigods and warriors at the God Ascension stage when I sealed them.

As for the remaining two, they are Demigods and the very generals who spearheaded the assault.

Regarding the corruption, they will show no mercy to anyone they encounter, just as the abhorrent beasts currently rampaging through the Nest will likewise devour all in their path.

The sole consolation, however, is that the moment they awaken, the seal will commence its gradual dissolution. Once this occurs, the Nest will begin to disintegrate, thereby lifting the suppression.

At that juncture, you and your companions will be able to engage at your full potential."

"I suppose that's a glimmer of hope. However, you wouldn't happen to possess a comprehensive map of the entire nest, would you? My current objective today was to retrieve a drop of Immortal Essence water, but the map fragment I possess only covers a limited portion of the nest.

While I have a general sense of direction, given that I must now prioritize rescuing your nascent self, completing that primary mission takes precedence. Once accomplished, I will have the necessary time to dedicate all my efforts towards preparing for your rebirth and the inevitable confrontation with the Corrupted Heaven Warriors."

Queen Mantis nodded, understanding Klaus's underlying implication. She extended her hand, and a verdant rune materialized within it.

"This is the complete Map of the Jade Nest." It then floated and assimilated into Klaus's forehead. "However, you must be aware that in my prolonged absence, the proliferation of abominations would have inevitably caused alterations to certain aspects, so do not place undue reliance upon it for exactitude.

That being said, I have precisely marked the location where my egg is destined to hatch. This area is significantly nearer to the site where I confined a portion of the Heaven Warriors."

Klaus acknowledged this with a nod.

He was unaware of the harrowing ordeal that awaited him, but a sense of joy washed over him for gaining a head start. Now that he grasped the extent of the danger, he would meticulously prepare himself to confront it. The reason many trembled before the Paragon was singular: he consistently devised a backup strategy for his initial plan. And should those plans falter, a subsequent contingency was always ready to address the situation. Essentially, given sufficient preparation time, Klaus could transform into the most formidable adversary imaginable. "The Heavens Court likely anticipated your return and dispatched agents within to ensure your capture. I must quickly rejoin my team and manage these affairs. This will mark my inaugural major conflict since attaining Immortality, so preparation is paramount." she stated. "Exercise caution, Paragon. The peril exceeds your current capabilities. Should you find yourself unable to orchestrate my rescue, do not hesitate to end my life. I would sooner embrace death than submit to servitude under the Heavens," the Queen implored. Klaus chuckled and rose to his feet. "Rest assured, Queen Mantis, you shall experience a more fulfilling existence this time around. However, do you possess any further boons to bestow upon me?" Shamelessness was an intrinsic part of his being. Naturally, Klaus, as a Paragon, required every available advantage, particularly since the Heavens offered none. Therefore, engaging in a direct confrontation with them meant he might as well accrue some benefits. Queen Mantis pondered for a moment before sighing. "I have nothing more to offer you, Paragon. Nevertheless, should you manage to reach the Jade Vault, there lies a secret I have guarded for years, concealed within its 7th layer. The mark I imprinted upon you serves as the key to its unveiling." "Hmm," Klaus narrowed his eyes, a flicker of astonishment crossing his features. "I was under the impression the Jade Vault comprised only six layers. From whence does this seventh emerge?" Queen Mantis offered a smile and a wink. "Remember, the moment I emerge from my confinement, chaos will ensue. Therefore, hurry and reach me before that happens." Klaus felt the surroundings blur as he vanished from the pavilion.