Chapter 109: Searching for the Dark Divine Armor

The level-six beast was slain by Wu Tian, and his squad received generous rewards. A level-six beast was equivalent to a human warrior at the King level of cultivation. Had it not been for Wu Tian’s Black Dragon Blade, which dealt double damage to beasts, and his fire-elemental talent, defeating the Swamp Croc would have been quite challenging.

After taking down the Swamp Croc, the abundant experience boosted the entire team. Old Li remained at the tenth-level Martial Artist stage but was now just a step away from becoming a Martial Spirit. Niu Wuji advanced one level to reach the eighth-level Martial Artist cultivation. Xiao Hui also rose by one level, achieving the sixth-level Martial Artist stage. Li Qingqing was even more impressive, leaping two levels to reach the third-level Martial Artist realm.

As team leader, Wu Tian gained even more experience. With this, he was now just one step away from the eighth-level Martial Spirit stage.

After the battle, everyone except Wu Tian was completely exhausted. Xiao Hui was busy treating Xiao Jin’s shoulder wound, but Wu Tian was occupied examining the valuable items they had just obtained.

There was the Swift Boots (Mystical-grade Superior): designed exclusively for women, increasing speed by 10%, evasion by 5%, and allowing the wearer to traverse swamplands.

Crocodile Armor (Earth-grade Inferior): boosting defense by 20%, and emitting a defensive aura that increased the defense of nearby teammates by 5%.

Spirit Gathering Formation (Mystical-grade): a formation usable by a five-person team. Once formed, it increased the entire team’s defense by 10%, health regeneration by 5%, attack power by 10%, and attack speed by 5%.

“Awesome! Although these items aren’t top-tier, they’re incredibly useful for us right now—especially the Swift Boots, which seem tailor-made for the Dark Swamp. And this Spirit Gathering Formation significantly enhances our team’s combat strength and defense. This level-six Swamp Croc was definitely worth it.”

Wu Tian smiled broadly upon seeing the attributes. Since the Swift Boots were only suitable for women, he decided to give them to Xiao Hui. With her invisibility skill, the boots would make her even more formidable.

“Xiao Hui, I have a pair of Mystical-grade boots here that allow walking on swampland. I’m giving them to you now. You’ll lead the way for our team, and that will greatly speed up our progress!” Wu Tian took out the Swift Boots.

“Master, don’t worry—I will do my best to scout ahead,” Xiao Hui replied without hesitation. She had felt like a burden before, so she readily accepted the responsibility.

She immediately slipped on the boots, and a strange energy surged through her body.

“Master, I want to test if these boots really let me walk on the swamp,” she said eagerly.

Wu Tian held her hand and smiled, “I’ll hold onto you tightly. Even if you get stuck, I’ll pull you out. If I can’t, I’ll sink with you.”

With that, Xiao Hui cautiously stepped toward the swamp. Wu Tian’s heart raced. Although the system said the Swift Boots allowed walking on swampland, no one could be completely sure. If the system malfunctioned, it would be disastrous.

Suddenly, Xiao Hui’s body sank sharply, as if swallowed by an abyssal swamp. Wu Tian quickly tugged her upward, and she was pulled to safety.

“Master, don’t worry. They really do work. Walking on the swamp feels like stepping on a soft quilt,” she reassured him, then ran toward the swamp with confidence.

Sure enough, when she stepped onto the swamp, the ground sank but did not swallow her. Her body floated like a piece of wood on water—perfectly safe.

“Wow! Boss, amazing! The abyssal swamp can’t swallow Xiao Hui. She can walk freely across it!” Niu Wuji exclaimed, eyes wide.

“This is so much fun! I didn’t sink at all,” Xiao Hui jumped on the swamp a few times, not sinking but bouncing back up.

“Sis Hui, now the lives of all of us rest in your hands,” Li Qingqing teased with a smile.

“I won’t let anything happen to you all,” Xiao Hui nodded firmly.

“It's getting late. Let’s keep moving forward,” Wu Tian glanced at the sky.

“Alright.”

Xiao Hui led the way, scouting ahead, with Wu Tian following behind. Their pace was now many times faster than before.

Along the way to the marker, the group encountered toxic mists again, but with Wu Tian’s Rain Dew Pill as a safeguard, they suffered no harm. With Xiao Hui scouting ahead, the abyssal swamp was no longer a threat.

Naturally, Wu Tian faced numerous beasts on the road, but fortunately, none were of extremely high level. Most were level-four or five beasts, which the team easily slaughtered for experience.

After about four or five hours, Wu Tian neared the Dark Divine Armor’s marker but found no trace of it.

“Logically, it should be nearby, but this place is dense forest with no sign of anything,” Wu Tian frowned, examining the map.

“Boss, this spot is nearly the same as where we stand. It should be within a one-mile radius. Let’s search some more,” Niu Wuji said, looking at the map’s markers.

The group circled the area, scouring nearly every inch of the one-mile radius but found no clue.

“Forget it. Let’s rest here for now and search again later,” Wu Tian said. They had thoroughly searched the area but found no hint.

“Boss, I know I shouldn’t ask, but I’m curious—what exactly are you looking for?” Niu Wuji asked during the break. He knew Wu Tian was searching for something but didn’t know what.

“An artifact,” Wu Tian answered without hiding it.

“An... artifact?” Niu Wuji’s mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Old Li’s eyes widened in shock. “As far as I know, the entire Wild Martial Empire can count its known artifacts on one hand. Each artifact is world-shaking, terrifying beyond measure. Boss is seeking an artifact? No wonder he’s willing to risk the Dark Swamp. If he obtains it, his strength will surely soar to an unprecedented level!”

“Boss, if you get the artifact, this trip will definitely be worth it! I want to behold its glory!” Niu Wuji said excitedly.

Just as he finished speaking, a group of adventurers appeared nearby.

“Leader, according to the coordinates, the artifact should be close, but why can’t we find it?” one said.

“It must be nearby. We must have missed something!” another replied.

The group slowly approached Wu Tian and his team, who were resting on the ground.