Chapter 495: Resonance of the Plaque

When Lu Qing’er spoke with her soft voice, the icy-blue blood coalesced into a seal that radiated with splendorous light. One could see thin lines of clear, blue light emanate from the source on Li Luo’s palm.

The light strands very quickly enveloped his body, gradually taking shape as a complete suit of plate mail.

Emblazoned all over the suit of armor was an intricate, dark-red engraving that emanated an absolute frost. The very presence of this rime had a suppressive effect on the berserk heat all around them, pushing it down a notch with a countering force.

Yet this was a temporary relief that was short lived when the inferno blazed up again, coalescing and renewing the unfathomable heat. Li Luo’s icy platemail then began to show hints of melting.

However, all this was unimportant. What impressed everyone was that despite the blue-colored platemail melting, it covered the anima dew membrane and greatly reduced the speed of its evaporation.

The sight flabbergasted the group.

How did this make sense? Had it really worked?

What in tarnation was that resonance art, Lu Qing’er? It was so immensely mighty that it could erode even the flames of the Dragon’s Belly.

How?!

Amidst the looks of shock, Lu Qing’er’s complexion had paled significantly, and she wobbled, weakness taking hold of her now frail body. Luckily, Bai Doudou supported her in the nick of time. “Li Luo, this is my final gift to you. The suit of Nightmarish Eversnow Platemail will allow you to temper the rate at which the anima dew membrane dissipates, giving you that much more time and space to struggle. Whether you will be able to reach Dragonbone Island is up to you now,” Lu Qing’er weakly explained.

Li Luo cautiously examined the miraculous armor that surrounded him. This was truly an unexpected solution to the dilemma at hand.

He could clearly feel that the Nightmarish Eversnow Platemail was no ordinary resonance art.

Despite being taken aback, he quickly recomposed himself and gave an exuberant smile towards Lu Qing’er. “Your methods are truly unfathomable and timely.” This was the best case scenario as he no longer had to pull out his trump card, the Three-tailed Heavenly Wolf.

Truly an unpredicted windfall.

Looking at the elated Li Luo brought Lu Qing’er a great sense of joy. This unique resonance art was something she had practiced long and arduously to master. In fact, Yu Hongxi was extremely dissatisfied that she had picked such a resonance art to train in. Lu Qing’er currently only had the capability to master one bloodline resonance art, and instead of picking one that could serve as a lethal blade in times of trouble, she had picked this turtle shell.

Ultimately, Lu Qing’er’s wishes took precedence and Yu Hongxi could only sigh in helplessness.

It was doubly fortunate that this resonance art was able to achieve the goal she had wanted.

Self-satisfaction bloomed within her, knowing that she had managed to assist Li Luo. “Unfortunately, with my current resonant power, conjuring just one suit of armor is my absolute limit. I can’t help anyone else,” Lu Qing’er apologetically explained to the rest.

Qin Zhulu shook his head. “With such dire circumstances, being able to send Li Luo on his way is the best-case scenario.”

“Hurry and move your butt, Li Luo. Don’t waste any more time,” Bai Doudou chided. The Nightmarish Eversnow Platemail was not a complete panacea to the problem, just a temporary band-aid. The clock was still ticking and its end would come eventually, so the quicker Li Luo took advantage of it, the better. Otherwise, if this was all for naught, that would truly be regretful.

Wang Hejiu was also feeling dour. He had struggled to obtain anima dew and finally grasped the opportunity to struggle amidst the titans on Dragonbone Island… and now he was struggling against inevitable elimination, only able to watch Li Luo take those last, glorious steps…

“Do your best, Li Luo. I hope you can beat that son of a gun Jing Taixu and express our joy at meeting him in the most barbaric way possible,” Yi Lisha joked.

Knowing that time was of the essence and seeing everyone’s expectant gazes, he heaved a deep sigh and nodded.

“I will.”

Just as his weighty words descended upon the group, resonant power burst out from his body and he flashed forward with blazing speed. When his feet made contact with the sea of flames, water resonant power rippled forth in response. Gathering force like a coiled spring, he then violently launched himself outwards.

A single leap covered over a hundred meters. Although he was not as fast as the sky-soaring Jing Taixu, the speed at which he moved through the sea of flames was nothing to scoff at.

Briefly turning around, he could see from the corner of his eye that in a small area far, far away, his compatriots were gradually being smothered by the flames, eventually turning into streams of light that were the sign of elimination.

The sight caused him to pause in his steps for a few seconds before he turned and proceeded with renewed vigor. His expression remained impassive, but a hint of malice could be seen within his eyes.

“Jing Taixu.

“No. Lu Ming as well.”

Although Jing Taixu was the main antagonist, Lu Ming had clearly given a significant helping hand. Regardless of her objective, she had played a part. They would reap what they sowed.

Otherwise, how could he face his disqualified companions?

Li Luo proceeded to rush forward, and the Nightmarish Eversnow Platemail began to slowly melt. Luckily, so long as the armor held up, the anima dew membrane would only dissipate at the lowest possible rate!

“Judging by the rate at which it melts, I should probably have another eight hours of time left.” After which, the anima dew membrane would begin to wear down.

When that occurred, it would be impossible to arrive at Dragonbone Island, as the vicious flames of the Dragon’s Belly would force him out of the competition.

“I hope I can make it,” Li Luo murmured to himself as he redoubled his efforts to speed ahead.

He had even bumped into competitors from other sage colleges on the way. Upon seeing his anxious state of mind, they were slightly taken aback. Yet upon closer inspection, they could sense his frail anima dew membrane, which brought joy to those who reveled in seeing others suffering.

Who knew how the dratted Li Luo had squandered his anima dew membrane. It was no surprise he’d be nervous in this situation. If he failed to reach Dragonbone Island, cheering would be his only game.

Thus, the other competitors were full of smiles. Li Luo was considered a potential champion, and being eliminated before the main competition would mean one less tiger on the mountain.

Of course, none of this fazed Li Luo. His only play was to make his way.

Time passed, and only two hours remained for him.

The Nightmarish Eversnow Platemail had shrunk to its thinnest state at this point.

Li Luo’s gaze was unyielding and focused. This was expected, and there was nothing to freak out about. Instead, he channeled more resonant power from his dual palaces, further bolstering his speed.

“I should be able to make it! Li Luo! Don’t give up on yourself!” His heart palpitated with emotion as he steeled himself. He didn’t want to be kicked out on the cusp of success!

Boom!

As he continued to push forward relentlessly, a sudden gout of flame burst out from beneath his foot. Dodging reflexively, he managed to avoid the sudden danger. However, a stream of dragon’s bloodfire seemingly followed him, rushing at him as though attracted by something on his wrist.

This sight unnerved Li Luo as that was his pocket sphere!

He could not afford to have this treasure damaged, as all of his treasures would inevitably fall out!

Despite his best efforts, he was unable to react in time and could only blankly watch that stream of dragon’s bloodfire collide directly with his prized pocket sphere.

Mentally preparing himself to watch the total destruction of his pocket sphere, the sight that unfolded surprised him as well. The pocket sphere was undamaged, and the stream of dragon’s bloodfire seemed to have vanished completely.

Li Luo continued to push forward undeterred, but his expression was one full of confusion.

He could feel that something was going on within the pocket sphere.

Just what could have absorbed that trace of dragon’s bloodfire?

Li Luo paused for a moment before reaching within, and an object fell into his hands.

It was that black plaque engraved with the word “Li,” which was emanating a mysterious glow.