Chapter 1780: Chapter 817: Holy Rhine (Part 2)

This is what Rod worries about the most. Currently, Trolian has encountered a large number of Black Fog Symbiotes and Black Fog Avatars born purely from black mist. Previously, they never appeared in regions where humans were active; they only existed in areas shrouded in black mist for countless ages.

It gives him a feeling that, far away beyond his sight, the most profound, primordial, terrifying black mist is approaching Trolian.

These black fog condensed matters that have been dormant for thousands of years also appeared before their eyes.

The most frightening part is that so far, he hasn’t harvested a single soul.

He clearly remembers that a long time ago, when killing certain Black Fog Symbiotes, souls could be harvested.

The Book of Knowledge tells him: "Derivatives and derivative bodies, if they are too far from the source body, will evolve into independent native bodies, developing a true soul that can be harvested by their master. However, if the source body is nearby, their souls remain ethereal, and all their power is under the source body’s control, preventing the master from harvesting their souls."

Rod furrowed his brow. If this is the case, doesn’t it mean a terrifying Black Fog Source has already arrived nearby?

Just like Amirada.

However, whether it’s the Star-devouring Amidalara or the Black Fog Demon, they are in a severely weakened state and pose little threat.

Could there be some that haven’t been weakened?

Thinking this, Rod felt his heart tense again, but he didn’t voice this concern. Instead, he comforted, "Don’t worry, Saint Longde’s aid will arrive soon. As long as they can help us hold the situation, Trolian can swiftly improve again. You know, our potential is immense."

Qingyu’s beautiful eyebrows curved as she showed a faint smile, "Yes, little Rod, your reassurances are always so effective. Trolian is fortunate to have you."

Rod chuckled, "We’re fortunate to have each of us."

Qingyu’s smile grew brighter, "Exactly, once the situation calms down, let’s create another person."

White Wolf, Alo, and Luo Weiya just smiled, as if the statement was perfectly normal, leaving only Rod feeling embarrassed—he was always uncomfortable discussing anything related to child-bearing in public.

Though now called the king’s consort, his Fire Ceremony with Qingyu hasn’t been held due to timing issues. Strictly speaking, they’re still engaged.

Since the Human Demon War, Trolian barely had days to ease, with no time for proper recuperation; the situation has been too tense, especially since Eternal Night arrived.

Currently, the biggest problem is that the original defensive systems are gradually failing. The Black Fog Great Wall can’t stop the monsters any longer; the portal effects of the four major cities have been significantly weakened. Many locations within Trolian have turned into battle zones, causing defensive forces to be stretched thin and efficiency to plummet.

That’s why everyone feels uneasy—once the next wave of Black Tide arrives, Trolian will face tremendous challenges again.

In fact, Iyeta has already warned that the White Tower observed a massive gathering of Black Fog Symbiotes, and the next Black Tide will soon arrive, stronger than ever.

"Hope we can hold on until Saint Longde’s support arrives."

Rod silently prayed within his heart.

"If only it could give me a chance to catch my breath..."

Just one step away, Rod was just one step away; he could digest the souls and divinity harvested over time.

The Dream Realm’s immense enhancement was right in front of him, yet he couldn’t break free.

Trolian was in the same situation. Over the long period, they had accumulated a massive amount of resources. Whether it’s the three Spirit Ascension Elements, Divine Flesh and Blood, Divine Source Material, or Divine Stone, they have reached unprecedented heights.

Various resources are remarkably abundant. Especially Spirit Flowers and Spirit Grass, the Sea of Flowers in the Dream Realm is under the meticulous care of the Book of Knowledge, yielding substantial harvests almost daily. The Holy White Tree’s fruits have grown tall at the Sea of Flowers’ center, becoming a towering "skyward tree" hundreds of yards tall, with a rich essence of life echoing within the Dream Realm, bringing pleasure to all (except Asa).

The only issue is that besides "ordinary persons" below the Commander level, almost all warriors considered strong have been plunged into battle, despite countless requests for aid arriving like snowflakes to the Military War Department, demanding thousands of such reports to be processed daily.

Even those "filtered" for Qingyu’s attention number in the dozens.

Trolian births roughly a hundred Commanders daily; freshly promoted, they are quickly seized by battle groups or outposts, with not a moment to spare.

For Qingyu, who knows the whole picture, such anxiety is unimaginable, especially as she bears the heavy responsibility of safeguarding the Holy Fire. Within the Spirit Realm, attacks from Black Fog Symbiotes against the Holy Fire’s projection occur without respite.

Thankfully, with the King’s power, Qingyu left a Fire Avatar in the Spirit Realm; otherwise, she wouldn’t even have time to speak with Rod.

Yet, the power of the Fire Avatar is ultimately limited. In times of urgent crisis, Qingyu must immediately return to the Holy Fire, entering the Spirit Realm for combat with her true form.

At such times, the responsibility of guarding the Royal City falls upon Rod.

The Royal City serves as Trolian’s northern gateway, directly adjacent to the Black Fog Great Plain, and is the core hub of the northern Great Wall. Upon completing the "Eternal Sanctuary" plan, Trolian expanded the Royal City by extending its rear past the Dead Ash Mountain Range, to the northern Dark Great Plain.

Thus, the Royal City spans the Dead Ash Mountain Range, directly bordering the Dark Great Plain, assuming most of the northern defense pressure.

Though Trolian’s overall defense is alleviated, the risk is heightened; the Royal City must not fall, as beyond its northern walls lies the Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground.

Therefore, at this time, Rod cannot leave the Royal City, unless there are Half-King Level strong guards stationed within.

Rod frequently considered that if Trolian had three more Half-Kings controlling the Root Origin, or two, or even just one more, he could venture out to gather Dream Realm fragments. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Thus, he is actually the most eager for Saint Longde’s support to arrive in Trolian.

Such a powerful Fire Kingdom, the reinforcements surely wouldn’t be weak, right? At least possessing multiple Root Origins at the Half-King level?

Rod anxiously waited, often gazing into the distant dark depths with the Eye of the Soul, knowing that the reinforcements couldn’t possibly arrive so quickly, given Saint Longde is over 110,000 kilometers away from Trolian!

By normal estimates, covering such a distance would take at least seven days.

Surprisingly, in just one day, he saw an incredibly powerful spiritual energy streak across the sky and land in the Royal City at an unimaginable speed.

"How is this possible?"

Rod could hardly believe his eyes; this spiritual energy’s strength far exceeded his limits. This vast, profound, unparalleled feeling he had only sensed in the Human Demon.

Yet, it wasn’t as terrifying as the Human Demon, it hadn’t broken the 17th level barrier, reaching the legendary 18th level, but was very close, seemingly at the 17th level’s threshold, between the 17th and 18th levels.

Most importantly, this spiritual energy, unlike the monsters’ cold, dark, chaotic aura, had warmth, order, and brilliance, controlled by a human soul!

This is the top-tier powerhouse from Saint Longde!

He almost immediately withdrew from the battlefield, rushing back to the Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground—he clearly saw the figure was heading straight for the Holy Fire.

Taking only half a second at his speed, he then saw the mysterious powerhouse.

His entire body was enveloped in water-like spiritual light, radiating a terrifying aura from the world’s depths. He stood before the Holy Fire, slightly bowing to Qingyu.

"Saint Longde’s Divine Fire Church’s First Knight, the Undying Wanderer, Steel Fire King Sword, Holy Rhein, greets the King of Trolian."