176: Thousands of Dreams, the Power of the True Dragon

Distorted figures scurried through the audience, screams echoed through the sky, and everything looked incredibly real.

In the center of the arena, two mechs transformed into monstrous, terrifying, and massive creatures, appearing as strange creations combining machinery and flesh, both humanoid in shape. As they encroached upon the audience, deafening footsteps resounded, and the ground rumbled and shook.

Their objective was very clear.

It seemed the direction they were charging was precisely where Qin Jin was located.

“After the invasion of the hidden power, which was at a special frequency, was blocked, did it choose to launch a direct attack?”

A thought flashed through Qin Jin’s mind.

Ahead.

The audience seating around was tiered. Two giant monsters charged forward, stepping onto the audience seats, directly collapsing the ground. Amidst the destruction, one of the monsters stopped. From its chest, machinery transformed and flesh surged, forming a cannon muzzle that emitted a bloody glow. Power accumulated within it, and in the next instant, a blood-red beam of light shot out, directly attacking Qin Jin.

Along the way.

The distorted audience members inside the arena vanished instantly, directly incinerated.

The beam struck forward.

Qin Jin did not dodge. At this moment, he raised his palm, fingers together, palm facing forward.

The next instant!

The blood-red beam of light struck in front of Qin Jin, but centered on his palm, with Qin Jin himself as the boundary, the beam stopped there. It looked as if an invisible barrier was intercepting it, preventing the beam attack from advancing even an inch, effectively blocking it.

Ripples spread, and the beam invaded.

This was another way to use the Domain.

A Martial Dao Grandmaster, with a formed Domain, could, of course, do more than just protect himself; when necessary, he could even use the Domain to launch an attack.

The Source Power intercepted in front, making contact with the blood-red beam. While intercepting, Qin Jin’s mental plane had already begun to analyze it, observing and confirming its essence.

“It has similarities to the power that initially invaded me.”

“It’s more inclined towards mental attacks, and the power also contains peculiar factors that make people drowsy and fall asleep.”

As the beam was intercepted, the other giant monster roared and strode towards Qin Jin.

Everything happened in an instant. The analysis was completed at an extremely fast speed. Qin Jin raised the palm that had been intercepting in front of him, and at this moment, he slightly clenched it.

Clenched fist!

The moment he clenched his fist, the Domain resisting in front of him suddenly shook, and ripples spread.

At this moment, the blood-red beam, as if encountering an irreversible drive control, suddenly turned around, wrapped in Domain power, and like a mirror reflection, directly shot back!

The cannon muzzle made of flesh and machinery on the giant monster’s chest was suddenly pierced by the blood-red beam at this instant. A huge hole appeared in its chest, through which one could directly see behind it.

This was just the beginning.

The moment it was pierced, Qin Jin did not move, only a firelight reflected in his pupils.

At the edge of the penetration, flames suddenly ignited. The flames, transformed from power, incinerated everything. Starting from the chest, the entire body burned and was directly reduced to ashes.

The other giant monster rushed to his front.

They seemed to have no concept of fear, indifferent to the death of other monsters.

Qin Jin’s hand changed. His thumb and forefinger formed a right angle, held horizontally in front of him. Source Power surged, and peculiar runes circulated in front of him.

Source Kill Cannon!

In a short moment, surging Source Power emanated, turning into a torrent that surged forward.

The attacking giant monster, without any effective resistance, was directly annihilated by the impact of the Source torrent, leaving no remains.

Life transformed, stepping into the Grandmaster Realm.

His growth on the Martial Dao path alone could be called a qualitative change, greatly increasing his strength, unlike before.

It should be noted.

A Martial Dao Grandmaster, in the Star Sea, could already be called an expert.

The torrent of Source Power, after annihilating the monster, did not stop. It continued to surge forward, eventually impacting the very center of the arena.

Under the impact, this area seemed to fall silent for an instant.

A moment later.

From the center of the arena, power completely erupted, like a magnificent fireworks display. Wherever it passed, the strange lights all dissolved, and everything returned to normal.

The entire arena collapsed and vanished. Everything that had just happened seemed like an illusion, and the ground transformed back into normal sand.

“Everything just now was not an illusion.”

Thoughts flowed through Qin Jin’s mind.

He had absolute confidence in his judgment. Although everything just now was an evolution within the anomaly, it had indeed truly existed and could not be called an illusion.

It was just that his power eruption had completely annihilated the anomalous power maintaining this place, which caused it to return to its original state.

As thoughts flashed through his mind.

Qin Jin’s heart stirred, sensing something, and he suddenly looked towards the other end.

Source Power surged out, stirring up dust, and a figure emerged within it.

That was a man, wearing powered armor suitable for outdoor activities. Inside the armor was the research uniform of the Pioneer Legion, making him appear to be a Researcher.

Thinking of the outpost buildings he had seen when he first arrived here, Qin Jin’s heart stirred: “Is he one of the personnel originally stationed here?”

He thought of something and looked around.

In the distance, all around, were brilliant lights. After this area was cleared, these lights, which had been continuously expanding, seemed to have some apprehension, no longer approaching this area, but intentionally avoiding it.

Qin Jin raised an eyebrow, then looked again at the Researcher’s figure.

In his perception, his breathing was relatively stable, and his vital signs were steady. He seemed to be in good condition.

Even.

Qin Jin could even see a trace of excitement and enjoyment on his face, as if he was dreaming.

Just then.

The man’s expression fluctuated, his lips suddenly trembled, and a look of terror appeared on his face. His eyelids twitched violently, and at a certain moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and gasped for air.

He subconsciously looked around, his breathing gradually calming. Upon seeing Qin Jin, he became alert: “Who are you?”

“I am carrying out a cleanup mission.”

Qin Jin’s voice was calm. Without giving him a chance to ask further questions, he directly asked: “Were you dreaming just now? What did you dream about?”

“I…”

The Researcher looked hesitant.

“Answer directly.”

Qin Jin’s tone was decisive.

“I just dreamed that I was on vacation, watching a mech competition live.”

The Researcher answered subconsciously, then a look of horror appeared on his face: “Everything was going smoothly, but suddenly, an anomaly occurred. The other people around, and the mechs in the simulated arena, all changed, turning into monsters.”

His voice trembled slightly, and he seemed to be somewhat shaken.

Qin Jin’s eyes flashed with thought.

He looked at the brilliant lights around him, raising an eyebrow slightly.

“The effect of this Star Sea Anomaly is to materialize the dreams of living beings, to truly manifest them? Did I just enter someone else’s dream?”

“So, the frequency power that initially tried to invade was trying to make me fall asleep as well, thereby sketching out my dream.”

“After the attempt failed, it changed from acting in secret to a frontal assault, and the good dream consequently turned into a nightmare.”

Thoughts flowed through his mind.

Qin Jin looked at the Researcher and said in a deep voice: “Wait here.”

“The Pioneer Base has issued a regional cleanup mission. More specialists will arrive soon, and then you can be taken away from this place.”

In pioneer missions, non-Pioneer Legion personnel participating, after evaluation, were all referred to as [Specialists].

Mission Specialists.

Leaving a sentence, Qin Jin strode towards the deeper areas.

Behind him.

The Researcher hesitated, then called out: “Could you…?”

“No.”

Qin Jin did not look back, interrupting him: “If you trust me, then wait in this area. If you have your own ideas, then I won’t stop you.”

It was still unclear whether this anomaly was harmful to life, but Qin Jin had, in a way, saved the other party. In their first meeting, Qin Jin had his own principles.

Respecting others’ destinies.

Hearing Qin Jin’s voice, the Researcher said no more and made no further movements, standing still and waiting silently.

After all, this was personnel who could work on a pioneer planet.

When he first woke up, his thoughts were not very clear, and he inevitably felt some fear, but after fully waking up, he also understood what the most correct choice was.

Qin Jin no longer paid attention to him, walking quickly on the sand.

Just as he reached the edge of this cleared area, looking at the constantly flickering brilliant lights, Qin Jin was about to step into them, but his gaze observed some issues, and his movements paused slightly.

He clearly saw.

After he took a step, as the light flowed, some areas fluctuated, seeming to shrink back.

“Is it… avoiding me?”

“Fear or something else?”

Qin Jin’s interest was piqued, and he murmured: “Candle Kite, record this.”

“After the Star Sea Anomaly appeared on this planet, it seems to have undergone some changes in certain aspects, possibly acquiring some kind of [instinct].”

“Or perhaps, this is no longer a pure Star Sea Anomaly, but is transforming into [life].”

“Recording complete.”

Candle Kite’s voice sounded.

Qin Jin nodded slightly.

The area where the light contracted was limited. He darted forward, entering it again.

Upon entering, ripples flowed, and the environment formed in an instant.

This time, the scene was relatively simple: in a spacious training ground, there was only one figure, a woman, her hair tied up, looking quite capable. She was practicing martial arts with a serious expression, appearing very diligent.

“Even in her dreams, she’s practicing martial arts. It seems the owner of this dream is usually very hardworking.”

As thoughts arose, Qin Jin thought of more: “Humans don’t always dream every time they sleep. It seems… this Star Sea Anomaly should also have a dream-inducing effect.”

“What would my dream be like?”

The thought flashed through his mind.

Although he was indeed a little curious, he would never do such a reckless thing and put himself in danger.

Just as he was thinking.

Inside the training ground.

The martial arts practitioner saw Qin Jin appear there. Her face showed no surprise; instead, she said: “Good timing!”

In a dream, everything lacks logic.

With that utterance, she charged forward, directly rushing towards Qin Jin, seemingly intending to [spar].

Because it was no longer his first contact here, Qin Jin clearly perceived that the power contained within the anomaly was also attached to her body surface.

It seemed the rule of this anomaly was to pull any life entering this place into a dream.

As his aura rose, the Domain slightly vibrated, and the opponent’s charging body flew backward faster than it had come, falling to the ground, motionless.

Although it was a dream world, Qin Jin intentionally controlled his strength, as they were, after all, personnel of the Federation.

His gaze swept around, and after confirming there was no other information to collect, Qin Jin raised his leg and brought it down sharply, pressing it against the ground.

Centered on him, Source Power surged out, like a forming storm. Wherever it passed, first this dream space collapsed and shattered, then the brilliant lights dissolved, and everything returned to normal.

This numbered life planet was once located within a Star Sea Anomaly.

The Star Sea Anomaly, which was originally in the Star Sea and of inestimable area, had already been cleared by the Federation. Within the planet, there were only some remnants, naturally with a limit to their existence.

Everything returned to normal.

Not far to Qin Jin’s front right, a female figure lay prostrate on the ground. After a few more seconds, she opened her eyes in a daze, looking around. Upon seeing Qin Jin, she suddenly shivered and propped herself up halfway: “You… are you the Martial Dao teacher who appeared in my dream?”

“Martial Dao teacher?”

Looking at the woman in front of him, who had clearly begun a series of baseless conjectures, Qin Jin’s voice was stern: “I am a Mission Specialist here to carry out a cleanup mission.”

“Just wait here quietly. Someone will come to rescue you soon.”

“Understood!”

The woman answered subconsciously.

Qin Jin no longer paid attention to her, stepping towards the deeper areas.

His figure entered the brilliant lights.

Next, Qin Jin successively entered multiple dreams.

Strange and varied.

There are special places that seem to exist only in dreams, with unique rules; there are dreams related to emotions; and there are even dreams where people dream of being reborn and cultivating Martial Dao again, becoming a Martial Dao Grandmaster in one fell swoop…

All kinds of dreams are different.

After breaking through several dreams and collecting enough relevant information, Qin Jin stood in the newly cleared area, looking around.

Behind him.

A soft voice sounded.

“This is… within the Star Sea Anomaly?”

Qin Jin turned his head.

Behind him was a woman in a Researcher’s uniform, who appeared to be a pure Researcher. At this moment, her face was a little flushed as she looked around.

It is worth mentioning that…

The dream about rebirth originated from her.

“You’ve looked into it?”

Qin Jin asked.

“Mm.”

The woman nodded, the flush on her face fading a little, and her tone was serious: “Although this isn’t my professional field, for some reason, I’ve conducted a detailed study of Star Sea Anomalies.”

“Star Sea Anomalies are bizarre and contain the true secrets of the Star Sea. Some people have unknowingly entered an anomaly and reappeared in another galaxy. Others have only spent a short time inside an anomaly, but a long time has passed outside.”

“This even involves the concepts of time and space.”

“In the Federation’s records, some people even returned from anomalies and became ‘geniuses’.”

She paused here.

Qin Jin’s face showed a hint of realization, suddenly understanding why this Researcher would study Star Sea Anomalies, which were not her specialty.

Not far in front.

The female Researcher continued: “Cases of Star Sea Anomalies appearing within planets are extremely rare, usually only occurring after the anomaly undergoes some change. I was fortunate enough to see two such cases, and I have an idea that might be helpful to you.”

At this point, she paused slightly: “Special Agent, what should I call you?”

“Qin Jin.”

“Special Agent Qin.”

She nodded seriously, and as she spoke, she gestured with both hands: “The anomalies in the Star Sea can be regarded as a whole. To clear them, every single spot must be addressed, because if any residue remains, the anomaly might expand again and return to its original state.”

“In contrast, according to the cases I’ve seen, anomalies that enter a planet are not like that.”

Speaking about her familiar field, her tone carried confidence: “The anomaly here should have an origin. Everything is based on this origin, and it cannot be solved by thinking of it as clearing a normal Star Sea Anomaly.”

“An origin, huh…”

Qin Jin mused, looking at her: “What’s your name?”

“Lu Ling.”

The other party replied.

“Thank you.”

Qin Jin nodded: “Next, you will wait here. Once everything is cleared, you can leave safely.”

“Mm.”

Lu Ling nodded: “I know.”

Qin Jin’s gaze swept around.

He took a step, and his entire body ascended into the air, rising rapidly.

From a high altitude.

Within this large area enveloped by brilliant light, many empty spaces had already appeared. While Qin Jin was clearing, other task agents had also completed their objectives.

At the same time.

The expansion of the anomaly area was still ongoing. At a glance, more dream areas were appearing at the edges.

Some weaker task agents, caught off guard, also fell into a dream, and their own dreams became part of the anomaly.

“Lu Ling is right.”

“According to the current progress, with the accumulation of personnel, the speed will gradually increase, but the faster the clearing is completed, the more effectively some accidents can be avoided.”

His thoughts raced as he continued to climb.

The area covered by brilliant light had a height limit. After ascending to a certain height, Qin Jin stayed close to the top of the light, without entering it, conducting a wider search.

As the number of dreams he broke increased, the anomaly’s “fear” of him also seemed to increase. This was the result of his continuous observation.

At this moment.

As Qin Jin moved forward, the brilliant light below, like elastic jelly, would retract and sink a certain distance whenever Qin Jin’s figure passed by, as if trying to evade.

After he left, it would return to its original state, as if nothing had happened.

“This no longer seems like instinct.”

Qin Jin’s eyes were serious: “Perhaps this anomaly has truly undergone a mutation and become a life form.”

Thoughts flickered, and the exploration continued.

Just as Qin Jin arrived at a certain area in the mid-to-late section.

The light below fluctuated violently, quickly retracting, much faster and more decisively than in other areas. The light in this area sank, looking like an ostrich burying its head, wanting to hide itself from being discovered.

“This is it.”

Qin Jin’s spirits lifted, and his body plummeted. With a burst of power, he instantly caught up with the sinking light and plunged into it.

This time.

The surrounding environment had not changed; it was still an intertwining of various colored streamers, looking quite dreamlike.

This, instead, confirmed Qin Jin’s conjecture.

As Qin Jin’s figure rapidly plummeted, at a certain moment, a figure suddenly appeared in his line of sight.

That figure was only half human-sized, with a rather peculiar shape. It looked like a “ghost” constructed from intertwining colored lights, not terrifying at all, but rather a bit clumsy. Above its head was a slowly burning blue-green flame. Its overall appearance was somewhat like an irregular, ethereal candle.

If it were to be given a name.

That would be… Candle Fire Spirit.

Around it.

Lights intertwined to form various scenes, which were precisely ongoing dreamscapes from different individuals. From each dream, an extremely special power was extracted and flowed into its body.

“As expected, a life form has been born.”

“Moreover, it is growing in a certain direction by utilizing the dreams it creates.”

The moment Qin Jin arrived, the instigator of all this also sensed him. The flame above its head fluctuated, and scenes shattered. The surrounding light, controlled by it, surged towards Qin Jin, attempting to bind him, to make him fall into slumber as well, and extract his dreams.

The domain operated.

Blocking all external forces.

Seeing that its attack had no effect, the Candle Fire Spirit’s flame fluctuated even more, and in that instant, the flame on its head dimmed.

At the same time.

The ground suddenly trembled.

Within Qin Jin’s line of sight, in a brief breath, the opponent’s figure was expanding at an unimaginably terrifying speed.

In a moment, it had already transformed into a giant, its height exceeding a hundred meters, and its expansion speed was getting faster and faster.

In its place…

The anomaly’s expanded area was already quite vast, but at this moment, the light in those expanded areas instantly retracted, dreams shattered, and everything inside returned to its original state.

Lu Ling’s words were not wrong.

The anomaly within the planet had an origin; this was the true core. Other areas were merely a way for it to acquire power, and in times of need, everything could be abandoned.

The giant candle stood, looking quite imposing.

Large areas became empty, and the agents who were carrying out the clearing mission were revealed. While somewhat puzzled, they heard the commotion and their gaze immediately focused on the giant candle’s figure.

After its size expanded and its power increased, the flame above its head rekindled.

“Quick, go help.”

“The anomaly has undergone some kind of mutation.”

“Someone has already approached.”

Amidst the shouts, some weaker task agents had just woken up from their slumber, while stronger ones stepped into the air, rapidly approaching the battlefield.

At the same time.

Qin Jin stood in mid-air.

In front of him, after its core origin was found, the opponent reacted as if stimulated, directly retracting all its expanded areas.

He did not stop it.

Because, this was actually the most efficient way to clear it, saving a lot of effort.

This was a Federation exploration planet, with countless powerful individuals within. At this moment… other powerful individuals were surely approaching and could handle various problems. Letting it consolidate its power actually made things much more convenient.

His gaze fell on this giant Candle Fire Spirit. After all its power was consolidated, its figure was several hundred meters tall, truly a colossal entity.

At this moment, the flame on its head fluctuated, and on the side of its body, surging power gathered, seemingly forming a giant human palm that descended from the sky, directly falling towards Qin Jin, intending to capture him.

It seemed unlike the methods it should possess.

“In its dreams, it seems to have somewhat learned some human techniques?”

“This strange life form possesses research value.”

Thoughts flashed through his mind.

Qin Jin advanced instead of retreating, his eyes sharp, meeting the challenge head-on.

Having ascended to the Grandmaster Realm of Martial Dao and opened the third Cave Heaven, he came to participate in the clearing mission precisely to temper and verify himself through battle. How could he avoid a fight?

His figure charged forward, his domain activated. Looking at the giant palm of power pressing down, Qin Jin’s brows furrowed, and within his Spirit Ruins, the Cave Heaven surged!

The third Cave Heaven, True Dragon Cave Heaven!

The Cave Heaven Treasure Technique was activated.

True Dragon Treasure Technique.

In this instant, around Qin Jin, Cave Heaven power surged, subtly forming the shadow of a white dragon, encircling him. He raised his head, the dragon raised its head; he blinked, the dragon closed its eyes.

Qin Jin’s own aura began to rise at an unimaginable speed.

Three Cave Heavens, three Treasure Techniques.

The Enlightenment Treasure Technique was an auxiliary Treasure Technique.

The Divine Descent Treasure Technique was an offensive Treasure Technique.

And the True Dragon Treasure Technique was an enhancement Treasure Technique!

It enhanced with the power of the True Dragon!

At Qin Jin’s current realm, the enhancement could only be considered that of a young dragon, but how extraordinary was a dragon? His own power, coupled with the enhancement, was terrifying and extremely formidable!

As he continued to grow, this enhancing power would also continuously increase.

The Enlightenment and Divine Descent Cave Heavens were both extraordinary and possessed infinite potential, but the words ‘Divine’ and ‘Enlightenment’ were still in a conceptual state, preventing these two Cave Heavens from reaching their full potential.

The True Dragon Cave Heaven, however, was different.

The Divine Scales, combined with the Immortal Dynasty’s ancient land, created a complete third Cave Heaven.

At this moment, with the dragon shadow accompanying him, a joyful dragon’s roar echoed in Qin Jin’s ears. The moment it formed, its aura spread. In front, the giant Candle Fire Spirit’s massive body, constructed from power, fluctuated violently, and cracks even appeared on its surface. Large chunks of its power-body fell off, turning into light, and then vanished.

Dragon’s might!

As a top-tier existence among extraordinary creatures, a true pure-blood True Dragon was extraordinary from birth. How could it allow other extraordinary life forms to stand above it?

The giant palm struggled to descend.

And at this moment.

Qin Jin raised his fist and struck forward. The white dragon shadow surged, fiercely impacting the palm. Accompanied by the bursting flames of power in the air, the giant palm extended by the Candle Fire Spirit exploded with a roar.

This was only the beginning.

With his domain active and the True Dragon accompanying him, Qin Jin received a comprehensive enhancement. His figure soared, and he transformed into a streak of light.

Behind him.

Other task agents had already approached, but at this moment, they subconsciously paused slightly.

Looking ahead.

A streak of light struck forward in mid-air, its figure indiscernible. Before the residual light of the previous strike had completely vanished, another streak of light had already appeared. In just a few breaths, the giant Candle Fire Spirit’s body was riddled with holes, and in the next instant, it plummeted like a mountain. A figure landed on the ground, which actually trembled, and a roaring sound emanated.

That was Qin Jin.

Behind him.

The giant Candle Fire Spirit’s body, constructed from power, was full of hollows. Its power was dissolved, its balance completely broken, unable to maintain itself. In the next instant, its entire body shattered with a roar, its power dispersed, and various colored streamers circulated in the void, then vanished.

These powers could no longer be reclaimed by the Candle Fire Spirit.

Because…

In Qin Jin’s assault, he had already severed its connection with these powers.