Chapter 504: Chapter 504: Ascending the Altar
 

“Natural Ancient Tree, we are ready. You can transport us into the barrier now, right?” Li Yao said.

The Natural Ancient Tree responded, “Entering the barrier is actually quite simple, but killing priests from the reality plane is essentially meaningless.”

Li Yao frowned, asking, “All this time, have you been playing us for fools?”

The Natural Ancient Tree laughed, “Young man, patience. You need to understand, the priests in the reality world, or the main plane, are just their projections, killing them doesn’t achieve anything.”

“Projection, as far as I know, only beings stronger than demigods can project their bodies onto another plane. The half-human horse priest is certainly powerful, but not at the level of a demigod, right? If that’s the case, we should retreat.” Li Yao said.

“Young man, you are well-versed, not many young people like you around. Normally, only a demigod can project onto another plane, but the Demigod Nightmare they worship is different from other demigods. He can project the dreams of his minions onto another plane to help him carry out his business.” The Natural Ancient Tree sighed, “In the past, the Nightmare God won by confusing us with these projections, causing us to waste a lot of power. If it weren’t for our ability to traverse the dream world, his plot would have succeeded.”

“What does the ancient tree mean?” Li Yao asked.

The Natural Ancient Tree said, “It’s simple, you guys go back into the dreamland, and I’ll transport you to the altar. Kill the real body of the half-human horse priest in the dream, then his projection in the real world will naturally cease to exist.”

“If this is the case, re-entering the dream is not a problem.” Li Yao had known this was the case, but he had to say it.

“This time, I will imprint you. Here, you can freely enter and exit the dreamland. However, I must warn you, the half-human horse priest is very powerful in the dream, be careful.” The Natural Ancient Tree paused, then continued. “The Dreamland Crystal Cores are of no use to you, you can exchange more from me to help you deal with the Nightmare God.”

“We’ve already exchanged some yesterday. We’ll give them a try first and if it doesn’t work, we’ll certainly exchange more from you.” Li Yao said.

“Alright then, accept the bless of the dream, it is a tear left behind by a giant dragon warrior. It can let you freely traverse the dream, I hope you will succeed and not waste such a precious thing.” The Natural Ancient Tree spoke as it shattered a dreamlike droplet of water that fell into their bodies.

They then reappeared in the dream.

A green blurred portal appeared in front of them. Li Yao nodded and said, “Let’s go in.”

Passing through the portal, they found themselves at the bottom of a vast tree, which seemed as though it had been cut in half.

This tree was incredibly massive, like the legendary Tree of Life.

“This priest is so cruel. Such a big tree, what a pity.” Tu Meng Tuan Tuan, puffing her mouth, said.

Li Yao had already sent out his Fire Hawk, and after a while, said, “This is a mature tree born from a Mother Tree’s seed, it’s now become an altar. The tree is about 3000 yards tall, and as for its area, it’s probably bigger than a football field. The half-human horse priest is above us.”

“This tree is really big, although it’s slightly smaller compared to the Tree of Life, it’s still a huge tree. It’s a shame it’s been cut in half and used as an altar.” Li Yao’s sister, also sighed.

Every lady was emotional; seeing the massive tree not only cut but also emitting a sinister dark aura but still stubbornly sprouting new buds stirred deep feelings within them.

Li Yao held his tongue, but still said, “Stop feeling sorry, this is the offspring of a Mother Tree. Despite being polluted by the Nightmare, it’s still stubborn. Don’t you see it’s trying to burst out new buds? As long as we purify here, with the natural power of the dreamland, it will regain its vitality sooner or later.”

“The big brother is right, let’s go up there and save this poor tree.” Tuan Tuan, waving her little fist, said.

“Stupid insects, you actually found this place. Looks like the fool who guarded the portal has been taken care of by you, but no matter, it ends here for you. Conveniently, I need some sacrifices of various races for my great ruler. If you’ve got the guts, come up to the altar.” A phantom emerged from the darkness, murmuring ominously to the crowd.

“You want to make a sacrifice out of us? Alright, we’ll see when we get up there.” Li Yao shrugged.

“Lads, it’s time to show your courage. Fight!” Ordered by the half-human horse high-priest, “Before I sacrifice you, I’m going to let my lads entertain you. I will watch from the side.”

Whooosh…

Surrounding them was a spiral corridor that led to the altar following the upward curve of the Ancient Tree. As the sounds of galloping intensified, a wave of half-human horses enveloped in darkness charged down.

Unlike the half-human horses outside, these half-human horses had completely transformed and among them were half-human horse priests holding magic wands.

“Damn it, fight started right after an argument, this boss is such a dick.” The Guardian Angel cursed.

“Enough of the chitchat, let’s go up.” Li Yao commanded the Spider Tank to lead the charge, followed closely by the Fruit Knight, Guardian Angel and I Want to be Quiet. They also stepped onto the spiral corridor.

“Damn, this corridor drains health.” The Guardian Angel exclaimed.

“No matter, charge.” Li Yao said, pulling out a scroll and tearing it apart. Suddenly, a green light enveloped them.

“Damn thing, a scroll of Nature’s Blessing. This thing cost 500 Crystal Cores.” The Guardian Angel’s eyes reddened, he almost vomited blood from farming crystal cores, but 500 were used just at the beginning.

“It looks like you have reached an agreement with those damned ancient trees, but it doesn’t matter. The Nightmare will eventually consume you entirely.” The phantom of the half-human horse priest still appeared beside them, never ending his chatter.

As the people of Starfire clashed with the half-human horses, although just silver level, this time there were not only common half-human horse priests that could deal damage, but they could also cast healing spells.

Fighting them became more challenging for the people of Starfire. However, as the battle went on, more and more shadow skeletons could be summoned by Li Yao, and the situation seemed to be slightly easing up.

However, half-human horse troops continued to charge from the corridor, seeming endless, which significantly slowed their progress.

Plus, the half-human horse priest constantly taunting them made the people of Starfire incredibly annoyed.

It took the people of Starfire about fifteen hours to reach the top of the big tree, by which point, they were almost too exhausted to carry on…