The pitiful Corpse Emperor, though powerful in its own right, faced opponents who played by no rules, relying on the "power of money" to unleash a barrage of potent scroll attacks upon it.
The Corpse Emperor finally fell amidst a hail of scrolls, crushed by the sheer force of "money power."
What use was its strength and cultivation then, if it was still defeated?
"While it's down, let's finish it. It's our turn."
Zhou Yan led the charge, launching another assault on the Corpse Emperor lying on the ground. He unleashed the "Explosive Thunder Technique," sending streaks of lightning crashing down onto the creature.
Bai Qi and the others followed suit, attacking the Corpse Emperor until several items dropped from its form, at which point they ceased their assault.
"Boom!"
Curiously, they turned around to see that the stone statue formation behind them was collapsing.
"This grand formation was controlled by the Corpse Emperor. Once it died, it naturally lost its function," Chen Qingzhi explained after careful observation.
"Fortunately, we had the Lord's scrolls. Otherwise, dealing with this Corpse Emperor would have been truly difficult. This thing is too strong; it withstood two top-tier scrolls consecutively and didn't die."
Wu Song was astonished by the Corpse Emperor's power.
"Who knows how many years this Corpse Emperor cultivated underground. It actually reached a realm beyond the ninth heaven. If it had been given tens of thousands more years, it might have even reached the level of a Corpse Immortal. By then, dealing with it wouldn't be a matter of just a few scrolls."
"But alas, no matter how powerful it was, it met our Lord and was ultimately destroyed by our combined efforts."
"The Lord dropped a few items earlier," Meng Yi informed Zhou Yan.
"Let's go and see what they are. After all this effort to eliminate it, there should be something that piques my interest," Zhou Yan eagerly stepped forward to inspect the drops.
The Corpse Emperor's body had already begun to burn. Beside it lay several items. Yan Chixia picked up the sword clutched in the Corpse Emperor's hand, his face filled with awe. "This is a Sacred Artifact! The feeling of holding it is truly different."
Yan Chixia then presented the sword to Zhou Yan. "Lord, this sword is remarkable."
Zhou Yan took the sword and examined its name closely.
"Mystic Dragon Sword!"
[Equipment: Mystic Dragon Sword]
[Quality: Sacred Artifact]
[Durability: 10000/10000]
[Attribute 1: Strength +888]
[Attribute 2: Constitution +88]
[Attribute 3: Intelligence +88]
[Attribute 4: Stamina +88]
[Attribute 5: Additional All Attributes +10]
[Attribute 6: Additional Damage +90%]
[Attribute 7: Spiritual Energy Damage +90%]
[Attribute 8: Mystic Sky Sword Strike (Cooldown 12 hours)]
[Attribute 9: Mystic Annihilation (Cooldown 24 hours)]
[Equipment Requirement: Realm Level 50]
[Description: A legendary Sacred Artifact of the Mystic Dragon Dynasty.]
"This Sacred Artifact is not bad, but it's a weapon used by the dead," Zhou Yan mused, thinking it unsuitable for Diao Chan and the others. He then declared, "I've decided to reward this Sacred Artifact to those who have made contributions. You all have a chance to obtain it."
"Lord, are you serious?!" everyone exclaimed, their faces lighting up with joy.
This was a Sacred Artifact, far superior to Spirit Artifacts. Everyone desired it, and even the Lord himself only possessed one.
"The Lord said it's a fair competition. With so many people in the territory, there are many who want this Sacred Artifact. Others won't let you have it easily."
Wu Song, though coveting the Sacred Artifact, did not favor swords.
"What's there to fear? Just work hard and complete more missions. This isn't about who's stronger, but about contribution points. I might not lose to others." Yan Chixia said.
"I doubt that. General Bai Qi has a lot of contribution points. It will be difficult for you to surpass him," Meng Yi commented.
"It's about participation. If I accumulate more contribution points, I don't believe I'll be unable to exchange for good items next time." Yan Chixia was self-aware, knowing he likely wouldn't get this weapon, so he focused on the future.
Zhou Yan smiled and reassured them, "Don't worry, there will be plenty of good equipment in the future. You will all have the opportunity to exchange for valuable items."
Spirit Artifact level equipment was indeed rare, but Spirit Artifacts could be crafted. Although it took a long time and required high-grade materials, once Jerry's forging skill reached the required level, he could begin crafting.
They looked at the items dropped by the Corpse Emperor. Its immense power meant it dropped many valuable treasures upon death.
Among them were several books, including an RR-grade cultivation technique called "Mystic Dragon Art," likely the one the Corpse Emperor practiced in life.
This technique was excellent. Cultivation techniques above R quality were extremely rare. Someone in the territory would surely need it, and Zhou Yan would have Xun Yu handle its distribution.
"Lord, this cultivation technique is excellent, it's actually RR quality," Yan Chixia remarked.
"Do you want to learn it?" Zhou Yan asked.
"The technique is good, but it's not suitable for me. Lord, perhaps you could help me find a high-grade Daoist technique. If I had a high-grade Daoist technique, it would be very useful when dealing with these evil spirits and ghosts," Yan Chixia said.
"Daoist level cultivation techniques? Alright, I'll have Jin Sanyi keep an eye out," Zhou Yan replied.
"Thank you, Lord," Yan Chixia said happily.
Zhou Yan then turned to the second book, a RRR-grade top-tier formation called the "Myriad Stone Formation," likely the formation they had encountered earlier.
It was indeed powerful, a top-tier formation at that.
It made sense that only a top-tier formation could have given them so much trouble to overcome.
"This formation is excellent. If we encounter enemies, deploying it against them would surely inflict immense losses," Chen Qingzhi said happily upon seeing the formation.
"General Chen, you seem quite fond of formations," Zhou Yan inquired.
"It's just that recently, the [Scripture Pavilion] has acquired many books on formations, so I've been learning a bit," Chen Qingzhi quickly replied.
"Then this 'Myriad Stone Formation' is yours. I believe you will use it well," Zhou Yan handed the book to Chen Qingzhi.
Chen Qingzhi cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you, Lord. Your subordinate will study it diligently."
The others were not particularly interested in studying formations and paid it no mind.
The last book was a skill, albeit of S quality, called "Mystic Slash." Zhou Yan casually put it away.
In addition to the three books, there was also a colored treasure chest.
"After killing so many monsters, this is the first time I've seen a colored treasure chest."
"What good things might be inside? After all, the Lord went to great lengths to kill this Corpse Emperor."
"Who knows? We'll find out when the Lord opens it."
They all waited for Zhou Yan to open the treasure chest.