Chapter 134: [Dark Continent]

The illusion shattered, and Luo Chen returned to the real world, his limbs regaining movement. Zhuo Yuqing also awakened as if from a dream, her face a mixture of astonishment and confusion, unable to comprehend what had just transpired. Bound by a mental lock, she had lost all sense of time, believing it to be but a fleeting moment.

At that moment, a beam of white light descended beneath the gaping hole in the sky and came to a halt, revealing its true form—the Dean of Blue Emperor Academy, Ulysses. Our esteemed dean had a keen interest even in trivial matters like dogfights; how could he not be drawn to such a commotion as the sky tearing open?

Yet, upon surveying the enormous rift, Ulysses frowned deeply.

The Dark Continent.

A fascinating place indeed, but venturing inside was tantamount to risking one’s life at any moment. No, better to be cautious—he still needed his life to witness more spectacles.

Earlier, he had seen two dark figures clashing in the sky—likely creatures that had escaped from the Realm of Demons. One had returned, but where had the other gone?

That creature must have expended considerable strength in the battle. This was the perfect moment to strike a fallen foe—a favorite pastime of Ulysses. Though somewhat unscrupulous, the dean cared little for maintaining martial virtue against evil beings.

Harboring the intent to crush the weakened adversary, Ulysses transformed into a streak of white light and began his search within the Forest of Fear. The spiritual power of a Celestial was extraordinary; his mental senses radiated outward, covering nearly a hundred meters. Even the faintest energy fluctuations could not escape detection. Coupled with his swift flight, his search was both thorough and rapid.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Ulysses spotted something and descended from the sky. But what he found was not a demonic creature but Luo Chen and Zhuo Yuqing.

“You two little ones, what are you doing here?”

Startled yet relieved to see Ulysses descend, Luo Chen and Zhuo Yuqing quickly explained, “We were hunting in the forest on our day off to earn some money. Unexpectedly, many demon spirits appeared! We were about to return to the city when suddenly a hole opened in the sky. Two monsters emerged and fought fiercely. But soon after, one of the creatures chased after us.”

“Is that so?” Ulysses’s mind sharpened. “And the creature? Where is it now?”

Luo Chen shook his head. “It seems to have fled!”

“Fled? Which direction?”

“I don’t know.”

Strange—this monster had let them go, which was rare. Perhaps it was too preoccupied with escape to harm anyone.

“Hmph, forget it for now,” Ulysses pondered briefly. “Do you realize just how dangerous that creature was? It’s a miracle you two survived. The forest will soon spawn even more demon spirits. I’ll escort you back to the academy. For the next few weeks, don’t wander around, understand?”

“Yes, Dean!”

Wrapped in the sacred white light, Luo Chen and Zhuo Yuqing were lifted into the air. Guided by Ulysses’s spiritual energy, the trio transformed into three beams of light, soaring toward Miracle City.

For Luo Chen, it was his first time experiencing flight. It was exhilarating—like a bird soaring high above, gazing down upon the world below. Being a Celestial was truly marvelous!

The vast hole in the sky gradually shrank until it finally sealed shut. Yet the world beyond that rift and the demons that had escaped left Luo Chen with many unanswered questions.

If the eyeball monsters and demonic beings could emerge from that realm, then it was no mere mirage. But did such a place truly exist on Earth? Why had no one ever heard of it?

Unable to contain his curiosity, Luo Chen asked, “Dean, do you know what that world inside the rift is?”

“You saw it too?” Ulysses smiled. “That is the drifting peril of the Dark Continent—a chaotic, bustling place filled with all manner of strange creatures and monsters.”

Ah, so it was the legendary Dark Continent! This land was one of Earth's newly discovered tectonic plates, but few had ever dared to set foot there.

What would normally take over half an hour to traverse was done in less than ten minutes as they descended into Blue Emperor Academy. At this time, the duration of the super psychic wave was drawing to a close. Luo Chen entered his dormitory and collapsed onto his bed, unconscious.

When Luo Chen awoke from deep sleep, night had already fallen. Recalling the day’s hunt, he still felt a lingering fear. Without the super psychic wave, who knew what consequences might have arisen from the unknown consciousness that invaded his mind. It seemed the eve of the Beast Frenzy was no time to venture outdoors—any misstep could be fatal. Henceforth, no more reckless risks; a misfortune here could cost one’s life.

Emerging into the living room, Shi Feng hurried over with concern. “Birdman, I heard there was a celestial event outside Miracle City today—the sky opened a hole, and many demon spirits appeared in the Forest of Fear. Some unlucky hunters didn’t make it back. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Luo Chen replied, shaking his still slightly dizzy head. “Zhuo Yuqing and I met Dean Ulysses. He escorted us back to the academy.”

“Oh, the dean went to the Forest of Fear too. No surprise—he’s always drawn to chaos! By the way, many say they saw a demon fighting an eyeball monster. The battle was earth-shattering! The demon wielded fierce lightning powers, and the eyeball monster unleashed devastating magic!”

Luo Chen asked curiously, “People actually stayed in the forest to watch? Aren’t they afraid of dying?”

“Of course they are, but a few braver mercenaries hid far away with telescopes. Afterward, they returned to Miracle City, babbling excitedly, describing the fight as if gods were dueling. Who knows if they were exaggerating!”

Luo Chen nodded. “No exaggeration. That demon and monster were truly terrifying.”

“How do you know?” Shi Feng asked.

“Because I was right there in the Forest of Fear when they fought overhead. Lightning kept striking down for a while. I was so panicked, I thought it was natural thunder—but it turned out to be the demon’s lightning attack!”

“And then? Those mercenaries said the demon returned to the rift, but the monster never went back. Instead, it ran deeper into the Forest of Fear. Did you see it?”

“Not only did I see it, but Zhuo Yuqing and I were cursed by it. It just blinked once, and I was paralyzed. Even Zhuo Yuqing, who’s so strong, was affected the same way. Damn, what a terrifying monster!”

Recalling the scene, Luo Chen broke out in a cold sweat. Even when facing another high-level monster during his internship, he could at least run or use pepper spray. But against that eyeball creature, he was utterly helpless—completely at its mercy.

Shi Feng gasped, “Maybe it sensed Dean Ulysses’s arrival and was too distracted to kill you. You sure have a charmed life!”

Luo Chen wanted to reveal that the monster had invaded his mind, but he held back—this involved Nicole. If Shi Feng knew there was a girl’s consciousness trapped in his head, who knew how he’d react? Best to let him think Luo Chen had simply been frightened silly.

Shi Feng continued, “Those mercenaries said the eyeball monster and demon both seemed injured after their battle. The monster might still be hiding in the Forest of Fear. Now, no one dares go outside Miracle City. You’d better stay put too—pause your hunting and avoid wandering around.”

Luo Chen chuckled, “Got it. You’re so naggy—like a woman!”

“I’m just looking out for you, damn it,” Shi Feng grumbled. “By the way, you were brought back by Dean Ulysses this afternoon, right? What were you sneaking around your room for? Don’t tell me you’re addicted to that ‘Fifth Miss’ game. Better not play too much; it’s bad for your health!”

“Go to hell,” Luo Chen snapped. “I’m not as filthy-minded as you. I just felt a little off after being cursed by that eyeball monster. Took a short rest, and I’m fine now!”

“Really?” Shi Feng smirked lecherously. “Just to be safe, have Ellie and Joanna give you a full check-up. They came asking if you were back this afternoon.”

“Oh, they came? I didn’t expect those two to care about me so much. Besides you, I have two good friends now,” Luo Chen felt a warmth in his heart. “Did you tell them I was here?”

“Yeah, I told them you came back and immediately shut yourself in to play with Fifth Miss. I even asked if they wanted to come in, but they said they were busy and left.”

Luo Chen was stunned. “Damn, you said that? No one would want to come in now—you’ve ruined my reputation!”

“Ha, you really believed me? Silly! I said you were just resting!”

“...”

That night, Luo Chen entered a virtual illusion. Though he had faced danger today, he had also gained valuable insight into “controlling the rhythm,” a highly useful skill. He was eager to seize the moment and continue practicing. With this skill, even if he wasn’t teamed with Zhuo Yuqing, he might be able to simultaneously take on several wind wolves or other level-three or four beasts when surrounded.

Every time he encountered beasts in the Forest of Fear, Nicole collected data. Today’s demon spirits were no exception; she quickly simulated a large batch of water monsters and earth dogs.

Just as practice was about to begin, Luo Chen suddenly stopped and said, “Nicole, wait!”

“Master, what is it?” Nicole asked.

Luo Chen said nothing, heading toward a corner within the virtual illusion. There, he saw a tiny creature—so small and inconspicuous it was nearly overlooked. But now that he had grasped rhythm control, he paid close attention to the overall situation, quickly scanning the surroundings before beginning. This little creature had not escaped his notice.

The tiny being appeared comical, with the head of a bird, a duck’s bill, standing upright on two legs with a round, protruding belly like a general’s paunch. Its forelimbs resembled fins or wings but lacked feathers, bearing a striking resemblance to a penguin.