Undead Mage from a Cell

After entering the area of Poisonous Peach Mountain, Gu Xi noticed that the poisonous smoke and fog weren’t just covering the surface of the mountain.

Instead, they were situated in every corner of Poisonous Peach Mountain.

Upon entering the mountain, the poison lingered and wouldn’t dissipate.

Gu Xi believed that only the Undead could survive in such a place.

Others coming here, even with the best protective gear, might not withstand a few days.

Furthermore, the ground of Poisonous Peach Mountain followed the same pattern.

The soil throughout the mountain was yellow-green in color.

Yet, regardless of how poisonous the ground was, it couldn’t affect the growth of plants, as dark red moss occasionally appeared on the vine-covered soil.

Upon entering Poisonous Peach Mountain, Gu Xi noticed the entire mountain was constructed around a giant peach tree as its center; one mountain equaled one large tree, with buildings, soil, and vines, all embracing and attached to the tree.

If this city weren’t filled with toxic gas and the style of the Undead, anyone would suspect it as an Elf dwelling.

Led by Silia, Gu Xi and his team quickly arrived at the Assembly Hall located at the tree roots.

Before approaching, Kro halted his steps.

"Brother Gu, I truly can’t proceed further. The poison is too strong; my protective suit is faltering."

Gu Xi turned to glance at Kro, noticing his face entirely concealed under a mask, making it hard to discern his thoughts.

Yet, given the situation in front of Poisonous Peach Mountain, it was truly impossible for living humans to linger here.

Thus, Gu Xi said to Kro, "Let me take you out first; I’ll handle matters here later."

"Sir, I’ll do it."

Silia spoke, another leaf falling from the tree, transforming into another Silia, ready to lead Kro out.

Seeing Silia’s thorough efforts, Gu Xi nodded to Kro.

"Brother Kro, wait outside for a bit. Once everything here is arranged, I’ll come find you.

Be cautious outside as enemies might still linger nearby.

If anything feels wrong, flee towards Poisonous Peach Mountain.

Can’t guarantee other things, but your safety should be assured."

Kro also understood that his luck hadn’t been great lately, occasionally encountering enemies.

It seemed someone was targeting him, and at times like these, he dared not wander aimlessly; all he could do now was stay close to Gu Xi, shouldering risks onto Gu Xi.

From Kro’s perspective, Gu Xi’s capabilities were competent, and there wasn’t much concern for safety in crisis.

Even waiting a few more days wasn’t a big challenge.

During this moment, approximately fifty miles from Poisonous Peach Mountain, the special forces chasing Kro were gathering in the nearby mountain forests.

Comparing forces would reveal that this unit had only about half of its original troops.

The survivors were disheveled, their appearance smudged with earth.

"Let’s go, head back. We’re not taking this ridiculous assignment; if anyone wants it, let them take it, but we’re done."

Gazing at the half-gone force, the leader’s complexion mirrored the soil’s hue — dirt-yellow.

They were the kill squad pursuing Kro.

Though unclear why Kro needed killing, they received benefits upon mobilizing.

Originally, they regarded this as a simple mission.

They’d only need to find Kro, ambushing him during his archaeological dig.

There wasn’t even a need for such a large march.

He was showcasing his vast troop numbers, hoping for greater rewards.

He hadn’t foreseen suffering a massive setback due to this excess.

If only he hadn’t mobilized so many troops, giving Kro a glimpse from afar, Kro wouldn’t have perceived major adversaries approaching, nor would he rush to find Gu Xi, who was transforming Death City.

Without Kro’s seeking, Poisonous Peach Mountain might not directly manifest on the ground; it could’ve been an underground city.

It wouldn’t transform soil to foundation or trees to mountains.

Nor would half of his troops end up buried underground.

Now, those beside him survived only due to staying relatively distant, reacting swiftly, escaping before ground shakes and landslides.

The rest couldn’t survive.

For this leader, it was a severe blow.

His troops consisted of remnants of the Ancient Hundred Races, unified together, armed with humanity’s most cutting-edge equipment, honed through incremental battlefield efforts.

He invested extensive effort and capital into every subordinate.

The abrupt loss of half equated to decades of wasted effort.

No wonder he’d be furious.

"Sir, are we truly retreating like this?"

Witnessing the leader’s fury, a heavily armored Centaur Knight swiftly approached.

As a Centaur, he should’ve been fastest.

Yet, to grant Centaurs the Knights’ charging ability, they donned heavy armor.

Movement noticeably slowed, moreover, such charge units often lead advances.

So, more than half of the Centaur’s comrades died in the earthquake, buried beneath Poisonous Peach Mountain.

Unlike the leader, the Centaur lacked such rational temperament.

To him, fallen were his brothers; vengeance was necessary.

"Else, proceed straight to death?"

The leader pointed towards Poisonous Peach Mountain.

Now completely engulfed in the yellow-green toxic smoke, anyone discerning that area knew it was impassable.

Recognizing this reality, the leader intended a strategic retreat.

Yet his subordinate stepped forward, eager to charge towards Poisonous Peach Mountain.

The leader wished to say – if you want to die, go alone; don’t drag everyone along.

Raising these men, training them wasn’t easy.

"This needs a separate discussion, now isn’t the time to discuss it.

Follow me back; the current situation isn’t ours to handle."

The leader spoke sensibly, and most subordinates adhered; as surviving such calamity terrified them.

Even if the leader wouldn’t leave, they’d try persuading him.

Only the disgruntled Centaur remained defiant, his eyes fiery red, shouting, "What die? Our brothers lie buried; I’ll save them, those willing come charge with me!"