In the cavernous space, Enzo and Eve hastily made their way over.

Upon arriving at the ruins, the trio came to an abrupt halt.

Above the ruins loomed a terrifying creature. An enormous centipede adorned with countless antennae, its head a grotesque visage with fearsome fangs that sent shivers down one’s spine.

Such a monstrous entity was unlike anything Enzo had ever encountered.

Even Tade could not name the creature, only explaining, “My father once ventured into the trial space and stumbled upon this peculiar location.”

“He discovered treasures here.”

“And this creature is the guardian. According to my father’s account, it can unleash toxins and is armored, rendering it immune to most elemental attacks.”

Tade’s description cast a grave expression upon Enzo’s face.

He felt an overwhelming sense of pressure emanating from the beast.

At that moment, it seemed the creature had also noticed the trio, yet it exhibited no inclination to attack. Instead, it merely stirred, continuing its ominous patrol above the ruins.

But as it moved, an opening appeared beneath its massive form.

The opening was clearly leading to some hidden chamber.

“What is happening?”

Enzo inquired of Tade.

Tade was momentarily taken aback, scratching his head in uncertainty.

After a brief hesitation, he replied, “Perhaps it is a trap.”

Just then, a diminutive, transparent centipede emerged from the creature’s head, radiating a sense of sanctity. In a melodious tone, the transparent centipede proclaimed, “Are you here in search of the Bone Replacement Spring? If so, you may enter.”

Bone Replacement Spring?

Enzo’s curiosity piqued as he turned to gaze at Tade.

Tade’s expression subtly shifted as he explained, “The Bone Replacement Spring can alter one’s bloodline.”

Though brief, his words carried profound significance.

In the Disaster World, anything capable of transforming a bloodline is exceptionally rare, and the ominous Bone Replacement Spring in the Death Lair, guarded by such terrifying and bizarre creatures, clearly holds extraordinary value.

Enzo stepped forward and inquired, “Is there danger in our entry?”

The translucent centipede seemed to be the true guardian, while the massive, grotesque centipede appeared to be under its control. Upon hearing Enzo’s question, the small, transparent centipede replied, “Others may face peril, but not you.”

What could that possibly mean?

Enzo wished to press further, yet the transparent centipede seemed disinclined to elaborate and swiftly burrowed back into the giant centipede.

At that moment, Tade remarked, “Mr. Enzo, I sincerely appreciate your assistance thus far. Regardless, now that we have arrived, I must explore the Bone Replacement Spring within.”

With that, Tade dashed toward the entrance.

Enzo felt an indescribable oddity; he glanced at Eve and finally stated, “Let us also venture in. If the Bone Replacement Spring truly enhances bloodlines, it may prove beneficial for you.”

Thus, the two entered as well.

Within the cavern, darkness was notably absent.

Numerous small holes had been chiselled into the overhead rock walls, allowing light to stream through and illuminating the entire cave.

At the end of the cavern lay a serene pool of water.

The water in the pool was remarkably clear, revealing the bottom with utmost clarity, seemingly indistinguishable from any ordinary pool, save for the stele standing at its center.

Upon the stele lay inscribed certain information.

[…Should one desire transformation, step into the Bone Replacement Spring, endure the trial, and thus acquire a supernatural bloodline.]

Is this yet another test?

Enzo pondered as he observed Tade, who had already entered the Bone Replacement Spring. He appeared to be confronted by a horrific ordeal, his robust form trembling violently, culminating in a harrowing scream.

Soon after, his body was bespeckled with countless beads of blood.

That transformed him into a figure drenched in crimson.

This ghastly spectacle caused Enzo to furrow his brow; yet, after a moment, Tade’s cries subsided, and strange luminescence from the spring began to mend his wounds. Tade soon awoke, exclaiming with exuberance, “I have succeeded!”

He could barely contain his excitement as he leapt from the Bone Replacement Spring.

Enzo could indeed sense a marked change in Tade. His bear lineage seemed significantly enhanced.

Seizing the moment, Tade explained, “Mr. Enzo, there should be no major issues with the Bone Replacement Spring.”

Enzo nodded and, alongside Eve, stepped into the water.

At that very moment, however, a group of individuals surged into the cave. Upon seeing them, Tade’s expression shifted dramatically, morphing into one of profound distress as he gritted his teeth and exclaimed, “Davy, how did you come to be here?”

In response to Tade’s inquiry, the intruders remained unfazed.

They gazed excitedly at the pool of water behind Tade, exclaiming, “Bone Replacement Spring, within the Death Lair, such a wondrous place! Transforming bloodlines, rebirth—marvelous, marvelous, marvelous!”

Davy , the leader of the group, proclaimed .

He then turned to Tade, mocking, “Tade, in exchange for guiding us here, I might grant you your freedom. Of course, you must relinquish the treasure bestowed upon you by your father.”

“Dream on!” Tade flatly refused.

Davy’s expression darkened, and he shook his head slightly, saying, “I have already offered you a chance.Since you choose to reject it, only death remains as your path.”

With that, Davy raised his hand, and his followers immediately launched their attack.

Fireballs, wind blades, and boulders…

A cacophony of formidable spells, forged from a variety of elemental forces, hurtled towards Tade, yet curiously vanished mid-flight. The transparent centipede reappeared, its voice still ringing clear, proclaiming, “Fighting is forbidden here.”

Davy narrowed his eyes, demanding, “What are you?”

Having arrived later, he had not noticed the colossal centipede spiraling above the ruins.

The transparent centipede seemed incensed.

A peculiar pattern flickered across its surface, and suddenly, Davy clutched his throat, collapsing to the ground, his eyes widening as he gasped for breath—only to find it fleeting.

The entire sequence unfolded with such swiftness that it left onlookers in shock.

Davy’s companions instantly fell into disarray, yet the transparent centipede paid them no heed. Instead, it addressed Enzo and Eve, saying, “You two may enter the Bone Replacement Spring now.”

But this time, Enzo interjected.

He inquired, “Does the Bone Replacement Spring truly enhance one’s bloodline?”

The transparent centipede replied, “It does. However, to obtain something, one must inevitably pay a price. Bloodlines are innate. Altering them is exceedingly challenging.”

The meaning of this was clear.

Tade’s complexion shifted, and he hastily asked, “What is the price?”

The transparent centipede revealed without reservation, “Upon the completion of your bloodline enhancement, your soul will be implanted with several Soul Worm eggs, which will gradually hatch and ultimately consume your essence.”

Upon hearing this, Tade collapsed to the ground in despair.

He roared, “Then why didn’t you disclose this beforehand?”

A peculiar pattern flickered across the centipede’s body, resembling a flash of lightning, yet it was intercepted by Enzo.

Enzo lifted Tade and said, “We must leave at once.”

With that, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Eve, and the three of them traversed the narrow passage once more, leaving without obstruction from the group Davy had brought.

Once the trio departed, the cave was filled with the horrific screams of others.

Before long, the two returned to the entrance of the rocky enclave.

Tade fell into a deep silence, his spirit waning, while Enzo reassured him, “You bear no Soul Worm eggs.That transparent centipede was deceiving you.”

“Deceiving me?” A flicker of hope rekindled in Tade’s eyes, though doubt lingered.

Enzo chose not to elaborate further. Belief rested with Tade, and his willingness to assist did not equate to a guarantee of Tade’s safety.

After a moment, Tade finally came to terms with the grim reality.

He retrieved the previous crystal from his spatial storage ring and handed it to Enzo, saying, “Mr. Enzo, I am immensely grateful for your assistance. This crystal is a remarkable treasure within the trial space, capable of revealing potential special realms. Consider it a token of my appreciation.”

Enzo accepted the crystal, while Tade, somewhat dazed, turned to leave.

Upon witnessing this scene, Eve curiously inquired, “Does he truly not possess the Soul Worm egg?”

Enzo slightly shook his head and replied, “No, the Soul Worm is a rare creature that feeds on souls, a precious ingredient for crafting soul potions, appearing only when a formidable being meets their demise. Thus, the words of that translucent centipede cannot be trusted. Furthermore, he is not Tade.”

Eve felt a shiver run down her spine and asked, “What do you mean he is not Tade?”

Without offering an explanation, Enzo turned to Eve and said, “Hold on to me tightly. We must return.”

Eve promptly complied, wrapping her arms around Enzo.

In the next instant, Enzo activated his teleportation.

This time, he sensed a form of resistance, as if an impediment was attempting to bar his entry, though its force was not particularly strong. Enzo, with Eve in tow, once again traversed through the rocky space, arriving at the edge of a pool, where a naked maiden was washing herself.

Upon hearing the sound, she turned to face them.

On the smooth expanse of her abdomen, a centipede tattoo was visible.

Surprised to see Enzo and Eve return, the maiden smiled and asked, “Why have you two come back after venturing out? Especially you, I can sense the presence of that old relic, Melokuhle, on you. I have no desire to be your enemy, but if you linger, I shall have no choice but to eliminate you as well.”

Enzo furrowed his brow and inquired, “Where is Tade?”

The maiden rose, water cascading down her thighs, as dark armor resembling a centipede manifested upon her body.

She then replied, “He is right here.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep