TOP SECRET: Adventures in the Dark Continent Chapter 495: The Curse Challenge

"Hi." Liu Yang greeted her. He ignored her alluring mature allure since the moment wasn't right for such distractions.

The crisis was dire, leaving Liu Yang with little time to spare.

"Empress, I'm back," Rhexia bowed deeply before the woman imprisoned within the tree.

Her voice brimmed with yearning and tangled emotions, given how her homeland lay in ruins, warped into a fully cursed realm.

"I'm glad you've returned home. And you've even brought a dependable man to aid us." The empress remarked.

"Empress, is there a way to dispel this curse?" Liu Yang cut straight to the chase. A sense of unease hit him as he gazed at the massive tree.

The curse was gradually draining the life from the once-vibrant green tree, leaving it nearly lifeless.

Liu Yang suspected his eyes deceived him at first, but upon closer inspection.

Darkness was slowly enveloping the tree.

He realized the empress was holding back the Curse of the Night's might with her own strength. Yet how much longer could she persist? Centuries had already passed, and she endured.

"Yes, a method exists, though it's extremely arduous and perilous," the empress answered steadily. She wasn't sure if Liu Yang could succeed, yet she placed her faith in him as the sole visitor to reach this spot.

"What must I do?" Liu Yang skipped questions on the challenges, knowing full well it would be tough.

"The sole path to banishing the curse lies in conquering its trial. Deep within this land stands a massive door. Gaze that way, and you'll spot it." The empress tilted her head and gestured toward a specific spot.

Liu Yang and Rhexia turned to the indicated direction, their faces etched with shock. Before them loomed a colossal stone door shrouded in black mist, adorned with bizarre engravings.

The door remained firmly sealed.

"That enormous door?" Liu Yang inquired for confirmation, though it hardly seemed needed.

"Yes. Only those possessing sufficient strength and ability may pass through. The unworthy cannot enter." The empress had glimpsed details from Liu Yang's essence, convincing her he qualified.

"I understand... Empress, how much longer can you hold out?" Liu Yang sensed she could endure for now, but the duration remained unknown.

"I can resist this curse for five more years at most. Beyond that, the entire area will fall to the curse, twisting all dryads into fully corrupted entities."

"Five years... That's barely any time. I have no idea how long conquering the curse will take," Liu Yang admitted, uncertain of the trials awaiting beyond the door, unable to make firm promises.

"I understand, but that's my limit. Even if it exceeds five years, success in the trial will shatter the curse, freeing all dryads and this territory."

"Empress, I can't make guarantees. I'll give it my all to assist," Liu Yang stated. He'd vowed to Rhexia already, but offered no such pledge to the empress.

"That pleases me. Young man, come nearer? I wish to offer a modest token of encouragement and gratitude."

"..." Liu Yang approached, drawing very close to the empress.

A sweet, calming aroma enveloped him.

Now, he examined the ripe woman up close. Her beauty shone through, though only portions of her form were visible.

The empress's garments glowed briefly before vanishing. Her exposed breasts appeared right before Liu Yang's gaze.

(Huge!!! They're enormous!!!) He exclaimed inwardly upon seeing those twin verdant peaks topped with dark green tips.

The empress's breasts looked stunning and plush.

"Young man, suckle upon my breasts. It's the sole gift within my power to bestow," the empress declared without shame.

Her people's destiny hung in peril, driving her to any measure for aid.

"!!!!!" Shock gripped Liu Yang and Rhexia at her words, yet the gravity silenced any protest.

Liu Yang latched onto both breasts simultaneously. Their size allowed it effortlessly.

A delightful flavor flooded his mouth as he drew in, a fluid emerging from the breasts.

(Delicious. Not quite milk—this seems like some potion or elixir.) Liu Yang pondered. Unaware of its nature, he only knew it tasted incredible.

Moments later...

"Empress, what did I just drink?" Liu Yang asked with curiosity, eager to identify the substance he'd consumed.

"Young man, the special liquid you drank is something dryads produce using their powers. Under normal circumstances, I would deliver it to you through my fingers, but that wasn't possible. Therefore, I had to provide it via my breasts. Did it taste good?"

"Very good," Liu Yang responded without any delay. However, doubts about its effects still lingered in his mind.

Rhexia either lacked that liquid or chose not to offer it to him.

"Little dryad, it's time to bid farewell to your husband. He must embark on a lengthy journey."

"I know..." Rhexia replied, showing some worry. She had no clue about the dangers Liu Yang might encounter.

"Rhexia..." Liu Yang pulled her into an embrace and planted a kiss on her lips.

The lovers shared a prolonged and passionate kiss.

"Liu Yang, could you leave the children in my care? I want to stay with them to keep my mind occupied," Rhexia requested. Solitude was unbearable for her, so being with the nine children was preferable.

"Yeah. That sounds like the best option," Liu Yang agreed. With a flick of his hand, the nine infants materialized.

All of them beamed with smiles and let out joyful laughs.

"Our race has welcomed several new members. Little dryad, this is splendid—nine vigorous children," the empress remarked in a joyful voice. Deep sorrow had gripped her before, as every member of her race suffered under a curse.

For her, beholding these healthy babies was a true blessing.

"My man made all this possible," Rhexia stated while summoning multiple wooden hands to cradle the nine babies together.

"Young man, would you lend a hand to us as well? Our race has always struggled with low numbers. If you could aid in growing our population, I'd be eternally grateful," the empress pleaded. Amazement filled her at how Liu Yang had helped Rhexia birth nine children.

It was an extraordinary achievement.