Chapter 763 - 750: The Price of Envy
Chapter 763: Chapter 750: The Price of Envy
The giant waves on the sea gradually subsided, as purple blood spread along the ocean currents, dyeing the entire sea area a murky dark purple.
The soldiers of the Fungus Castle moved through the water, pulling their comrades’ corpses from the rolling debris and gently pushing them onto the floating fungal mat.
Mycelium slowly climbed onto their bodies, granting these loyal souls new vessels.
Chis’s corpse, resembling a large island, stretched across the edge of the trench, those once grim Flesh Pillars now reduced to a heap of dead flesh.
Clusters of Glowing Mushrooms emerged from its body, with blue-green fluorescent specks, like small lamps lit in the darkness.
Unification and Integration.
This discarded project seemed to be the source of Chis’s ability to merge with other organisms, while [Gluttony] provided the energy needed to sustain so many flesh puppets.
Chis’s connection with the Abyss stemmed from that Abyss core, but the simple Abyss core should only be a device for supplying energy to Abyss Beasts.
Who knows what Chis experienced that led to such a mutation.
Lin Jun’s gaze turned to the west, at the edge of perception, a vast white mist.
Is it because of the mist?
What is ether exactly?
Lin Jun found this term in the Abyss for the second time. One of the functions of the Ark seems to be converting ether, so is this thing some kind of energy source?
It would be great to have more information.
As Chis’s flesh was gradually decomposed, Lin Jun gained a massive amount of experience before acquiring skills.
[Level Up: Level 73 → Level 77]
The experience required for Lin Jun’s level-up has always been exceptionally high, and even more so at high levels.
But Chis’s corpse forcibly raised Lin Jun four levels, which no other creature could do.
It must be said, indeed [Gluttony], the accumulated energy is abundant!
Speaking of which, after Chis’s death, [Gluttony] also conveniently popped onto Lin Jun’s panel.
Originally thought it was a sin that matched well with him, yet on the panel, it appeared greyed out.
Is it because I’m too elegant in my eating habits?
As decomposition continued, a large number of skills and skill proficiency finally returned to Lin Jun.
[Seven Sins of Greed Triggered]
[Plunder Skill: Spiritual Diffusion Level 2]
[Plunder Skill: Spiritual Integration Level 9 → Level 10]
[Plunder Skill: Underwater Adaptation Level 8 → Level 9]
...
...
...
Among them, [Spiritual Diffusion] was a new skill acquired from Chis, essentially allowing control over a batch of lower worms through [Subordinate Control] like Chis did with Eye Worms.
For Lin Jun, it meant he could use just one [Subordinate Control] slot to control an entire Puki squad to act independently from the fungal mat.
Of course, the downside is obvious, if the Puki controlled by [Subordinate Control] accidentally dies, all other Puki will lose control together.
[Spiritual Integration] is a skill for soul potential development, though even at Level 10, it only allows Lin Jun to directly command up to thirty thousand Puki.
However, although this number is now insignificant compared to his massive power, using these directly controlled Puki, Lin Jun could create more war units like the Ji Divine Soldiers.
As for the one Lin Jun coveted the most, [Leviathan].
Like [Extreme Sword], levelless skills are indeed harder to digest, this skill is even connected to Chis’s soul.
This worm’s soul is the largest Lin Jun has seen outside of his own, probably as large as the souls of hundreds of ordinary people.
But Lin Jun doesn’t plan to cram it into Puki like the Sword Saint did.
Unlike [Extreme Sword], which requires combat awareness, [Leviathan] simply provides a gigantic form, so rather than bind it to a mentally questionable worm, it’s more convenient to store in his skill library for easy access.
Aside from these joyous mushroom yields, Lin Jun also discovered something that doesn’t quite please him.
[Assault Ejection Level 8]
This skill was obtained early from the frogs in the Underground City.
Belongs to something not outstanding, but somewhat useful.
Although the usage rate is not high, it benefited from being acquired early, leading to its early full level status.
Lin Jun clearly remembers it being Level 10 long ago, yet now...
Envy?
Why does using a capability require paying a price?!
Look at [Greed] which followed me all the way, what did it ever demand?
How come with [Envy] it turns into pay-to-use!
Indeed, it’s because my affinity with [Envy] is really poor...
Actually, losing a few skill levels in itself isn’t a problem, given Lin Jun now possesses over 95% of the skills in the world, most of which don’t have high usage rates, dropping back to Level 1 wouldn’t be problematic.
However, when using [Envy], it won’t pop up a panel allowing Lin Jun to choose which skill to sacrifice—it’s random!
This is not ideal.
Commonly used skill levels dropping means the time to train them back up is unknown.
If it drops a core skill like [Spiritual Integration] or [Fungal Network], one can only be dumbfounded.
Oh well.
I had originally hoped to seal Norris’s skill bar while Karen chased him, but now this way is a bit too costly...
Besides these skills on the panel, another significant gain is Lin Jun’s Ocean Staff is finally complete!
This staff was originally the Fishmen’s, and since the Fishmen belong to Lin Jun now, naturally the Ocean Staff does too.
Regarding the female Hero stealing half of the staff, Lin Jun won’t hold it against her given it was promptly returned.
The only regret Lin Jun has is—
Tide Sanctuary, at the Demon King’s seal location at the bottom.
The seal has completely shattered, with several knight remains floating beside.
Ultimately, the seal didn’t hold long enough for Lin Jun to bring the staff back after dealing with Chis, allowing this one-sixth of a Demon King to escape while the navy’s main force was occupied with Chis.
However, Lin Jun didn’t let it off easy.
The moment the seal broke, these three Puki Knights came crashing at it, one concealed Lin Jun’s [Soul Touch], successfully smashing half of the Slime’s soul.
Causing the panel to temporarily lose [Lust].
Plus the part previously decomposed, the damage to the Demon King’s soul is unlikely to recover anytime soon.
Before it recovers, find a way to eliminate this weakened Slime!
...
Sofia’s ship sank.
Thankfully, the fleet hadn’t gone far, they got picked up by other ships after sending out a distress signal.
"Damn, those Puki really have no intention of returning the Divine Artifact!" Bella was still frustrated, "I’m sorry, Lady Sofia, it’s all my fault..."
However, Sofia did not blame her: "In hindsight, it seems that only a complete staff could have contained Chis. There’s no need to dwell on it."
Speaking of it, Samuel was also puzzled: "That team included members from various races and seemed to match the Fungus Castle’s forces, but why would the Northern Fungus Castle appear in these waters?"
Unfortunately, no one on this ship knew the answer.
"By the way," Sofia turned to Samuel, "I remember the Sword Saint who sacrificed himself during the previous war against demons was named Elvyn, right? His full name was...?"
"Why does Lady Sofia ask this suddenly?" Samuel was puzzled but quickly replied, "Slyne, the Sword Saint’s full name is Elvyn Slyne."
Sofia nodded, glanced around, then pulled Samuel away from the crowd.
Seeing the Hero’s serious expression, Samuel also realized it was indeed official business.
Upon reaching a secluded area, without waiting for Sofia to instruct, the Priest raised his hand, creating a soundproof barrier.
Sofia smiled, then asked: "Priest Samuel, I would like to understand more details about the resurrection and rebirth you mentioned before..."
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