179: Chapter 179 Crystal Cluster Breaks Through the Force: The Final Battle Between the Black Smoker's Cold Spring and the Soul-Devouring Core

Section 1: Expedition Gathering: The Successor of Crystal Cluster Breaking Force and Anti-Crystal Cluster Equipment

Three weeks after the Global Martial Arts Academy received the Technical Department's report on the "Black Smoker Cold Spring Area Spirit-Devouring Crystal Clusters," the "Atlantic Black Smoker Expedition Team" gathered at the Port of Lisbon, Portugal. On the deck of the Chuanwu Starship, the sea breeze carried a faint scent of sulfur. In the distance beneath the ocean surface, black smoke columns could be seen rising—a signature sight of low-temperature Black Smokers. Floating around the smoke columns were fine black crystals, precisely the "Methane Spirit-Devouring Crystal Clusters."

"The 'Black Smoker Secret Realm' you're looking for hides the most troublesome crystal cluster threat," a man dressed in deep gray martial attire strode onto the deck. He held a short axe forged from Black Smoker basalt; as the blade scraped across the deck, it easily sliced through the attached ice crystals. "I am Karim, the successor of the Moroccan Black Smoker traditional martial arts (sharing the same name as the new generation Karim, hereafter referred to as 'Big Karim'). My Family has guarded the Atlantic Black Smokers for generations. I specialize in 'Crystal Cluster Breaking Force'—it allows me to perceive the internal structure of the clusters, use Vibration Force to shatter the crystal cores, and neutralize the deflagrability of methane clusters."

Big Karim took a "Spirit-Devouring Crystal Cluster sample" from his backpack. The surface of the black crystal shimmered with a dark purple light, and it actually grew slightly warm when it touched ordinary Qi Energy. "This isn't an ordinary methane crystal cluster; it's an 'Active Crystal Cluster' contaminated by Spirit-Devouring Energy. Once struck by Qi Energy, it will deflagrate, with temperatures instantly reaching 800°C. Three research vessels have already fallen victim to this. Your equipment must have a 'Crystal Cluster Buffer Layer' added."

On the deck, the team members immediately began upgrading their equipment. Xiao Kaya fused Cold Spring Condensation Force with Big Karim's Crystal Cluster Breaking Force, injecting it into "Anti-Crystal Cluster Qi Diving Suits." The pale green Cold Spring Condensation Force isolated the methane, while the pale gray Crystal Cluster Breaking Force formed a "Vibration Buffer Layer" on the outside of the suit; even if clusters attached, they could be shattered through vibration. Sato's "Ninja Qi Thrusters" were upgraded to the "Crystal Cluster Avoidance Type," with "Crystal Cluster Sensing Probes" added to the nozzles to automatically avoid high-density cluster areas. At the tip of Amina's Shamanic Martial Totem Staff, "Crystal Cluster Mussel" adductor muscles unique to the Black Smoker area were embedded. Once the pale brown Shamanic Martial Force was injected, she could communicate with the mussel colonies and Crystal Cluster Shrimp in the area to gather intelligence on cluster distribution.

The new generation team's equipment was full of ingenuity. Xiao Juan's Nature Qi gloves incorporated "Crystal Cluster Fibers," allowing her to perceive the activity of the clusters through Nature Qi and provide early warnings of deflagration risks. The Pyramid Force bracers of the new generation Karim (hereafter referred to as "Little Karim") were embedded with "Crystal Cluster Breaking Force Fragments" gifted by Big Karim, which could convert the vibrations of the clusters into strengthening power for his Pyramid Force. Mei's Ninja Qi throwing stars were coated with Black Smoker basalt powder, allowing them to precisely pierce into the gaps of the clusters without triggering deflagration. Laila's Shamanic Martial Force belt hung with "Crystal Cluster Shrimp Egg Sacs"; once the young shrimp hatched, they could nibble on weakly active clusters, assisting in purification.

"According to the plan, after Big Karim leads us to the Black Smoker Totem," Chen Wu said, holding the fusion jade and pointing at the Black Smoker group on the tactical map, "Xiao Kaya will use Cold Spring Condensation Force to stabilize the methane concentration, and Big Karim will use Crystal Cluster Breaking Force to clear the clusters along the way. Amina will communicate with deep-sea creatures to locate the Totem Stone. Sato and Mei will be responsible for scouting for signs of Crystal Cluster Puppets. Xiao Juan, Little Karim, and Laila will use Youth Guardian Energy to monitor cluster activity. Remember, every black crystal here could be a bomb; we must not be careless."

In the global live broadcast of the "Expedition Gathering," 380 billion viewers stared at the heat-generating Spirit-Devouring Crystal Clusters and the new equipment. The bullet chat was filled with exclamations: "Crystal Cluster Breaking Force can shatter crystal cores? That's so hardcore!" "Big Karim's short axe is so cool, it can actually cut ice crystals!" "Little Karim's bracers can even strengthen his martial arts, this synergy is amazing!" Technical Department data showed that global reservations for "Remote Qi Support" surpassed 480 million. Martial arts fans from Atlantic-rim countries like Morocco and Portugal left comments: "Finally, we get to see the strength of Black Smoker traditional martial arts!"

Section 2: Black Smoker Descent: Crystal Cluster Vortex and Deflagration Crisis

The Chuanwu Starship's micro-submersible slowly descended. The water temperature dropped to 1.5°C with depth, lower than the Indian Ocean cold spring area. Upon descending to 3,000 meters, the submersible's searchlights suddenly illuminated a "Black Crystal Sea." The seabed was covered in a thick layer of methane crystal clusters, reflecting a cold light. The distant Black Smoker group spewed black smoke columns, and the clusters carried within the smoke fell like black snowflakes, making a "sizzling" sound upon touching the seabed—the sound of the clusters reacting with the seawater.

"The 'Crystal Cluster Black Smoker Group' is 200 meters ahead. The Totem Stone is next to the largest 'Main Smoker'," Big Karim warned through the communicator. "Be careful to avoid 'Crystal Cluster Vortexes'—those are formed where the Black Smoker jets meet the seawater. They're full of high-activity clusters. Once caught, the submersible will be encased in clusters and could deflagrate at any moment!"

Just as he finished speaking, the submersible was suddenly sucked in by a dark-colored vortex. The clusters in the vortex spun at high speed, striking the submersible's hull. The "Crystal Cluster Activity Index" on the dashboard instantly soared to "Dangerous," and the methane concentration alarm began to flash. "Use Crystal Cluster Breaking Force to vibrate the vortex!" Big Karim shouted. Pale gray Qi was ejected from the "Vibration Vents" at the bottom of the submersible. The clusters in the vortex, subjected to the vibration, actually broke away from the vortex and fell to the seabed. Xiao Kaya took the opportunity to inject Cold Spring Condensation Force, forming a "Methane Isolation Shield" outside the submersible to keep out the remaining clusters.

Upon descending to 3,800 meters, the outline of the Main Smoker finally became clear. This Black Smoker was about 50 meters high, its vent shimmering with a faint black light. Scattered on the seabed around it were the wrecks of several research vessels, the clusters covering the wrecks having lost their activity—clearly previous victims. "The Totem Stone is in the cluster pile to the right of the Main Smoker," Amina extended her Shamanic Martial Totem Staff out of the submersible. Pale brown Qi spread out, and a group of completely transparent Crystal Cluster Shrimp swam over, using their pincers to point at a protrusion next to the Main Smoker. "They say the Totem Stone is buried by clusters, but there are 'moving clusters' nearby—Spirit-Devouring Crystal Cluster Puppets."

Xiao Juan closed her eyes, and her Nature Qi spread along with the searchlights, forming a pale green "Activity Sensing Net" in the seawater. "I sense them! There are three masses of high-activity clusters around the Main Smoker, moving around the Totem Stone! The activity index exceeds 90%; they will deflagrate as soon as we get close!"

"Prepare to exit the cabin!" Chen Wu ordered. "Big Karim, use Crystal Cluster Breaking Force to open a 'Safety Channel' between us and the Totem Stone. Xiao Kaya, use Cold Spring Condensation Force to suppress the methane concentration in the channel to a safe level. Everyone else, stay close to me; you must not touch the clusters outside the channel!" The moment they exited, a bone-chilling cold and the cold light of the clusters hit them, but the dual-Qi protection of the diving suits immediately took effect. Little Karim's bracers sensed the cluster vibrations, and his pale gold Pyramid Force was instantly strengthened; he could even easily lift a fist-sized ordinary crystal cluster.

In the global live broadcast of the "Descent," viewers watched with sweaty palms. The bullet chat was full of worry and praise: "The Crystal Cluster Vortex is so scary! Thank goodness for Crystal Cluster Breaking Force!" "The area around the Main Smoker is full of clusters; this path is too hard to walk!" "Little Karim's bracers can actually strengthen him; I give this synergy full marks!"

Section 3: Crisis Erupts: The Deflagration Attack of the Crystal Cluster Puppets

Just as everyone was following the safety channel opened by Big Karim toward the Totem Stone near the Main Smoker, the three masses of high-activity clusters on the seabed suddenly "stood up." They rapidly absorbed surrounding clusters, forming three "Spirit-Devouring Crystal Cluster Puppets." The Puppets' bodies were assembled from black crystal clusters, their arms were sharp crystal blades, and "Spirit-Devouring Crystal Cores" shimmering with dark purple light were embedded in their chests. With every movement, the clusters beneath their feet were activated, leaving behind a trail of glowing footprints.

"Their crystal cores are the energy source. As long as we shatter the cores, the Puppets will lose their activity!" Big Karim raised his short axe, injecting pale gray Crystal Cluster Breaking Force into the blade. "But be careful; when the cores shatter, they will trigger a small-scale deflagration. We must use Cold Spring Condensation Force to neutralize it!"

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Before the words had even faded, a Puppet suddenly swung its Crystal Cluster Blade, slashing towards little Laila—Big Karim immediately blocked it with his Pyramid Force bracers. The pale golden light collided with the Crystal Cluster Blade, and the Active Crystal Clusters on the blade were instantly shattered. However, a few fragments splashed onto Laila's belt, causing the Crystal Cluster Shrimp Egg Sac at her waist to suddenly rupture. After the young shrimp hatched, they immediately swarmed over, devouring the fragments and resolving the crisis. "Good thing we have the Crystal Cluster Shrimp!" Laila exclaimed in surprise, immediately releasing the young shrimp to let them clean up the weak crystal clusters nearby.

The chest crystal core of another Puppet suddenly glowed, spraying a string of "Crystal Cluster Fireballs" towards the submersible—Xiao Kaya immediately infused it with Cold Spring Condensation Force, and the pale cyan Qi Energy formed an "Ice Shield" in front of the submersible. When the fireballs hit the Ice Shield, the crystal clusters were instantly frozen, and the combustion was contained; Sato and Mei took the opportunity to act. Mei's Ninja Qi darts accurately pierced into the gaps of the Puppet's crystal clusters, and Sato's Ninja Qi was injected along the gaps, causing the Puppet's movements to instantly stiffen.

The trickiest one was the third Puppet—it suddenly absorbed the crystal clusters ejected from the main chimney, its size doubling, and the dark purple light of its crystal core becoming brighter. It lunged towards the Totem Stone, clearly intending to destroy it. "We absolutely cannot let it touch the Totem!" Big Karim shouted, and he and Chen Wu attacked simultaneously—Big Karim's Crystal Cluster Shattering Force short axe slashed towards the Puppet's crystal leg. The pale gray Qi Energy caused the crystal clusters on the Puppet's leg to vibrate violently, making it unable to stand; Chen Wu injected his dual Qi Energy into the fusion jade, and the pale golden and pale green Qi Energy formed a "Dual Qi Binding Net," firmly trapping the Puppet.

"Xiao Juan! Use Nature Qi to stabilize the crystal core activity! Little Karim, prepare to strengthen the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force!" Chen Wu shouted. Xiao Juan immediately injected Nature Qi into the Puppet's crystal core, and the pale green light wrapped around the core like vines, temporarily stabilizing its activity; Little Karim's Pyramid Force bracers resonated with Big Karim's short axe, and the pale golden Qi Energy merged with the pale gray Crystal Cluster Shattering Force. Big Karim swung the short axe and slashed towards the crystal core—with a "bang," the crystal core was shattered. The pale gray vibrating Qi Energy and the pale cyan Cold Spring Condensation Force diffused simultaneously, instantly freezing the combusting crystal clusters. The Puppet collapsed with a crash, turning into harmless, ordinary crystal clusters.

Following this tactic, the group quickly dealt with the other two Puppets—Xiao Juan stabilized the activity, Little Karim strengthened, Big Karim shattered the core, and Xiao Kaya froze the combustion. Their coordination was so tacit that it felt as if they had practiced countless times. In the "Puppet Decisive Battle" broadcast globally, the viewers were watching with boiling blood, and the chat screen was filled with cheers: "This coordination is so smooth! Crystal Cluster Shattering Force + Pyramid Force is amazing!" "The Crystal Cluster Shrimp can even provide support? Little Laila is so clever!" "The moment the Puppet's combustion was frozen, I got goosebumps!"

Totem Activation: Crystal Cluster Shattering Force and Global Resonance

After dealing with the Crystal Cluster Puppets, Big Karim used the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force to clean the crystal clusters off the Totem Stone—a translucent "Black Chimney Totem Stone" was finally revealed. Inside the stone body, pale gray Qi Energy circulated, and the surface was engraved with runes homologous to the Whale Spirit, Hydrothermal, and Cold Spring totems. However, trace amounts of crystal cluster activity remained in the gaps of the runes, which needed to be thoroughly purified.

"The Black Chimney Totem requires a triple resonance of 'Crystal Cluster Shattering Force + Cold Spring Condensation Force + Dual Qi Energy'," Big Karim said, injecting the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force into the base of the Totem Stone as the pale gray Qi Energy spread along the runes. "My Crystal Cluster Shattering Force is responsible for clearing the crystal clusters in the rune gaps, Xiao Kaya's Cold Spring Condensation Force stabilizes the methane Qi Energy, and Chen Wu's dual Qi Energy provides the Origin energy. We can't miss a single step."

Xiao Kaya immediately stepped forward, injecting the pale cyan Cold Spring Condensation Force into the left side of the Totem Stone. It intersected with the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force at the runes, and the crystal cluster activity in the gaps receded at a speed visible to the naked eye. Chen Wu injected his dual Qi Energy into the top of the Totem Stone, and the pale golden and pale green Qi Energy surged in like a tide. The runes on the stone body instantly lit up, forming a beam of light interwoven with pale gray, pale cyan, and pale golden colors in the seawater, shooting straight towards the surface.

"The final step, Youth Guardian Energy!" Chen Wu shouted to the New Generation Squad. Xiao Juan, Little Karim, Mei, and Laila immediately gathered around, and the four-colored Qi Energy converged in front of the Totem Stone into a "Youth Guardian Light Orb"—the moment the light orb was injected, the beam of light suddenly surged, resonating strongly with the Global Leyline Guardian Array: the purity of the Leyline Qi Energy in the Atlantic Black Chimney area increased to 100%, and the residual Spirit-Devourer crystal clusters were completely purified. The totem Qi Energy of the Antarctic Ice Spirit, Mariana Whale Spirit, Atlantic Hydrothermal, and Indian Ocean Cold Spring lit up simultaneously. The "sea-land coverage" of the Global Leyline Guardian Array exceeded 90%, leaving only the last 3 deep-sea nodes.

The light of the Totem Stone projected ancient images: ancient practitioners of traditional martial arts wearing Black Chimney outfits, using the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force to clean up dangerous crystal clusters, and using Cold Spring Condensation Force to guide methane, protecting the leyline. At the end of the image, a clear line of ancient text appeared: "The Heart of the Leyline is hidden in the 'Abyssal Crystal Cave'; on the day of the 12-node resonance, the gate of the crystal cave will open by itself." "The Abyssal Crystal Cave!" Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan recorded the text excitedly. "Finally, we know the location of the Heart of the Leyline! As long as we activate the remaining 3 nodes, we can find it!"

Big Karim looked at the Totem Stone, his eyes full of relief: "My Family has guarded this place for generations, but we didn't know that we were guarding the key to the Heart of the Leyline. Now, I can finally contribute to global traditional martial arts!" Beside the Totem Stone, the New Generation Squad discovered a nest of "Crystal Cluster Shrimp larvae"—they could sense high-activity crystal clusters. Xiao Juan gently stroked them with Nature Qi, and the young shrimp immediately crawled onto her palm, interacting friendly with the previously collected Little Whale Spirit, Thermal Shrimp, and Cold Spring Clam larvae, as if forming a "Deep-Sea Guardian Squad."

A New Journey: Clues to the Abyssal Crystal Cave

When the exploration team prepared to return, Big Karim invited everyone to visit the "Crystal Cluster Symbiosis Zone" in the Black Chimney area—the Crystal Cluster Shrimp here could clean up Active Crystal Clusters, and the Crystal Cluster Mussels could filter out Impurities in the methane. Even the crystal clusters ejected from the Black Chimney, under the guidance of the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force, could be converted into "harmless construction Materials," which ancient practitioners of traditional martial arts once used to build leyline guardian towers.

"In the future, this place will become the 'Atlantic Black Chimney traditional martial arts Base'," Big Karim said to the global live broadcast camera. "We will train successors of the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force to provide crystal cluster cleaning support for the subsequent exploration of the Abyssal Crystal Cave, making Black Chimney traditional martial arts a key force in guarding the Heart of the Leyline."

When the submersible left the Black Chimney cluster, the Crystal Cluster Shrimp swarmed over to see them off—they arranged themselves into the pattern of "traditional martial arts Guardian," tapping their shrimp claws against the seabed to create a rhythmic sound, as if playing a farewell song. The crystal clusters ejected from the main chimney, under the joint action of the Cold Spring Condensation Force and the Crystal Cluster Shattering Force, formed a black "Crystal Cluster Archway," escorting the submersible as it departed. Xiao Juan, holding the four deep-sea guardian larvae, waved in front of the submersible window: "We will be back soon! Next time, we will activate the last 3 nodes and find the Heart of the Leyline!"

The final scene of the global live broadcast lingered on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean—on the deck of the Chuanwu Starship exploration vessel, the team members held up a rubbing of the Black Chimney Totem Stone and took a group photo with Big Karim. On the distant sea surface, the light beam from the Black Chimney area connected in a line with the light beams from the Antarctic, Mariana Trench, hydrothermal area, and cold spring area, forming a "Deep-Sea Guardian Light Belt" across the Earth's oceans. It covered 90% of the oceanic leylines, like a black guardian necklace encircling the blue planet.

In the chat, 380 billion viewers simultaneously sent cheers: "Black Chimney exploration successful! 90% coverage! We are getting closer and closer to the Heart of the Leyline!" "The Crystal Cluster Shattering Force is so powerful; the Abyssal Crystal Cave will rely entirely on it in the future!" "The Deep-Sea Guardian Squad is so cute; the four little ones are adorable!" Data from the Technical Department showed that the stability of the Global Leyline Guardian Array had increased to 99.95%, and the number of reservations for the "Deep-Sea traditional martial arts Course" on the Chuanwu APP had exceeded 300 million.

Chen Wu looked at the 12-node map in his hand, his fingertips tracing over the marks of the last 3 nodes—they were located in the Pacific "Mariana Trench Abyssal Zone," the Indian Ocean "Java Trench Cold Spring Zone," and the Atlantic "Bermuda Triangle Crystal Cluster Zone," respectively, with each node marked as "High Risk." "Next stop, Mariana Trench Abyssal Zone," Chen Wu said to his team members. "That is the deepest place on Earth and also the node closest to the Abyssal Crystal Cave. The challenges will be harder than before, but as long as we carry our original intention to protect, there is no abyss we cannot reach."