Savage integrated the four crystal shards into one, handing it to Bai Qi. He claimed he had no ambition for the throne and wished to leave this moment of glory to Bai Qi.
Bullshit.
It was precisely because Savage, that old fox, feared there might be more traps around the throne.
Dao Long had prepared all the materials needed for the ritual. Once the magic crystal was placed in the slot on the throne, the ritual could begin. Unexpectedly, Savage chose this moment to play his little games. Bai Qi, of course, understood but didn't expose him. Instead, he cooperatively accepted the magic crystal and strode to the throne, placing it in the slot.
As Dao Long chanted the incantation, obscure syllables echoed through the hall. Pillars of black energy, as thick as a man's embrace, shot towards the sky, converging above the hall and crashing down onto the throne.
At that moment, Bai Qi stood before the throne, and the surging black energy, as it struck the throne, engulfed him as well.
This was the final anti-theft mechanism left by the Gatekeeper clan.
A large amount of black energy was sealed in the corners of the hall. Once someone placed the magic crystal in the slot and began the ritual, this black energy would erupt and descend, using the magic crystal as a conduit.
For an ordinary person, absorbing such a vast amount of black energy would result in a 70% chance of instant death, a 20% chance of becoming a madman, and a 10% chance of transforming into a black energy creature.
However, the one absorbing this black energy now was Bai Qi, and the outcome was entirely different.
The influx of black energy into Bai Qi's body not only caused no harm but brought many benefits.
Bai Qi was already the designated spokesperson for the mother of black energy in this world. He was also an original demon born from black energy. The absorption of this black energy by Bai Qi was, at most, a return to its owner.
Moreover, to eliminate intruders seeking the lost continent as much as possible, the Gatekeeper clan had a backup plan.
After the torrent of black energy, the ground beneath Bai Qi began to shake violently. The magic crystal in the slot changed from blue to red. Then, the ground surged upwards, engulfing the magic crystal and gradually forming a colossal rock giant.
Although the chance was slim, it was still possible for intruders to transform into black energy creatures under the influence of the black energy.
Allowing a black energy creature to run rampant in the world was not something the Gatekeeper clan wished to see, nor could they guarantee that all intruders would perish in the black energy. Therefore, this colossal rock giant was the final kill strategy prepared by the Gatekeeper clan for the intruders.
Simultaneously, the entrance was sealed by falling giant stones, completely cutting off any possibility of escape for the intruders.
Alas, their opponent this time was Bai Qi.
The rock giant had just formed and was about to attack and eliminate the intruders when a roar echoed from above. Then, its massive rocky body shattered inch by inch, revealing the magic crystal at its core.
"Is this the power of a demon?"
Savage had witnessed it clearly. A single punch had pulverized the rock giant, as tall as a mountain, into pieces. It was truly terrifying.
The rock giant attempted to use the magic crystal's power to restore itself, but Bai Qi wouldn't give it that chance. He encased the crystal with his telekinetic power and gave a gentle tug. The magic crystal returned to Bai Qi's hand. He injected a small amount of black energy into it, completely severing the rock giant's possibility of resurrection.
As Bai Qi descended from high above, holding the magic crystal, Dao Long stepped forward and said, "My Lord, the ritual is complete."
"Good, let's go out," Bai Qi replied, tucking the magic crystal away.
Savage had witnessed everything, but in the end, he said nothing. After all, he had sent someone to take the risk, so he would surely give them some benefits afterward.
As the group emerged from the ruins, Artemis was already waiting.
"Alright, can we leave now?"
"Of course."
With Bai Qi and Savage clearing the path, the group of snowmen didn't even dare to show themselves. The few of them smoothly returned to the ship.
Upon boarding, the ship's doctor immediately carried the unconscious Bob into the infirmary.
That's right, into the infirmary. The towering Broldo saw the unconscious Bob and, without a word, took him from Artemis. With a bridal carry, he hurried into the infirmary.
Meanwhile, Savage and Bai Qi slipped away amidst the commotion and returned to the captain's cabin to further discuss their next steps.
According to the initial map, they still needed to perform rituals at three more marked locations before they could enter the Great Rift through the Trench clan.
The problem now was that Bob was unconscious. Could he still operate the disc? If so, that would be ideal. If not, they would have to discard the current ship and find another one to continue.
To this end, Savage specifically instructed Broldo to remove all irrelevant personnel from the infirmary, as he intended to visit.
Broldo didn't know why this was necessary, but since the boss had spoken, as an employee, he couldn't say much.
Just as Savage suspected, Artemis had been by Bob's side in the infirmary since their return. Furthermore, their relationship had become strained on the ice island. If she were to find out that Savage was checking on Bob to determine if he could continue operating the disc, a fight would surely erupt.
Broldo had to persuade Artemis for a long time before he could finally get her to leave.
Looking at the unconscious Bob on the bed, Savage frowned. Bai Qi, on the other hand, was direct. He placed the disc on Bob, helped him hold it with his hand, and then injected magic power into it.
As magic power was injected again, the disc began to operate, displaying the initial route map.
Savage was finally relieved. He stood up to leave. As he opened the door, he bumped into Artemis, who had returned out of concern.
Artemis didn't say much. She pushed past Savage and entered the infirmary.
After coming out and recalling the look in Artemis's eyes, Savage smiled.
"Not bad, not bad. With a bit of training, she might become a decent blade."
"Hey, hey, stop dreaming," Bai Qi interrupted Savage's fantasy, "She's already my designated subordinate. And even if you wanted to train her, her father probably wouldn't agree."
"Oh? Her father is..."
Upon hearing Bai Qi's words, Savage immediately realized.
"No wonder her moves look so familiar. I didn't expect her to be the daughter of the Sports Master. Interesting."
The next few coordinates were completed at an accelerated pace by Bai Qi and his group. After having the unconscious Bob confirm them with the disc, Bai Qi directly had the Shadow Ninjas clear the way, and then Dao Long would land on the island, complete the ritual, and immediately withdraw.
They had to speed up. Bai Qi had already wasted too much time here, and Xi Mu and Bo Gang were still waiting for him to deal with them. Savage also didn't want to waste excessive energy and time on these minor locations.