Crystal Valley

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It was a beautiful place. The surrounding tall mountains wrapped around a narrow, long green area. It was narrow and long only relative to the huge mountains. The narrowest area had at least dozens of scattered houses. There was a clear river flowing at the center. In the distance, he could also vaguely see a waterfall.

The beautiful scenery of the green mountains and clear waters was like a paradise. As compared with the harsh muddy swamps, they were a world apart. This is the real Crystal Valley.

## Description

The Crystal Valley was actually a secret location with a vast area in the Black Iron mountain range. It was currently divided into three forces, Nightmare Valley, Crystal Lair and Devouring Hall, each with its own independent area. They were owned by Manu Leviathan, the crystal dragon and Azgalor Beelzebub respectively. Other than the crystal dragon, Manu and Azgalor didn't usually stay here. For example, Azgalor wasn't in the Crystal Valley now.

Other than several forbidden areas such as the crystal dragon's magic circle, with the badge given by Manu, Chen Rui could roam freely within the valley. He could also get unconditional assistance from the guards. Certainly, the crystal guards were an exception as they were puppets that could only be controlled by the crystal dragon.

There should be a friendly and cooperative relationship under common interests among the three major forces and it was unknown whether there was a mastermind higher up.

Judging from the current force, it was already terrifying enough. Three Demon Overlords, among which Jacob was able to be evenly-matched with Paglio. The magic item given by Christina could only provide a location, and it would become a signal flare when launched in the end. It wasn't like a mobile phone that allowed communication. This time, it really depended on the means and strength of the Demon Realm's top sage, Empress Catherine.

Although Sabrina was Manu's niece, she was also Azgalor's wife. Therefore, she and Fatilu weren't in the Nightmare Valley, but were resting in the Devouring Hall. Compared with the crystal dragon's faction, Azgalor was obviously closer to Manu. Chen Rui was already considered to be in Manu's faction, so his workshop and resting place were arranged in the Nightmare Valley.

There were several other masters in the Crystal Valley. Some of them were mechanic masters while others were potion masters. They were responsible for manufacturing matters. Yet, these masters rarely show up usually. Perhaps they were immersed in some kind of experiment.

With the strength of an Early Great Demon King, he might exceed the realm to challenge the middle stage or the peak of the Great Demon King. If he was outside, he could be considered as a powerhouse. However, in this Crystal Valley, there were already three people that could eliminate him with one finger. Even if Sabrina was likely to have entered the Demon Emperor-level. Perhaps there were also other Demon Emperor powerhouses in this valley. These people definitely belonged to the true powerhouses in the Demon Realm. No wonder they had such a big conspiracy.

Whether it was for himself or someone he wanted to protect, he must become stronger. He had two goals currently. The first was to completely digest the power from Manu; the second was to understand the training of Megrez step by step, which was the power of the "world" or the power of territory.

Then, he must try something that had an expiring date soon – the realm king fruit.

## Subareas

* Blue house
* Chen Lab
* Crystal Lair
* Crystal vein
* Devouring Hall
* Mystic Valley
* Nightmare Valley

* Mystic Valley
* Chen Lab
* Devouring Hall
* Crystal lair
* Crystal vein

### Crystal ore vein

At the north of the Bloody Vine Flower Estate, there is a misty swamp in the Black Iron Mountain Range which stretches across the Dark Shadow Empire and Bloody Empire. There is a Crystal Valley in the swamp. Under the Crystal Valley, there is a very large crystal ore vein. It was discovered only recently. This will become the most important resource of the Bloody Vine Flower Estate.

### Swamp

As Crawford said, the area of ​​the misty swamp was heavily guarded, and there were many protective magic circles, but this defense was specially for the "entrance" that Catherine forcefully opened previously. However, Chen Rui knew that there was also a special passage into the Crystal Valley through Dragon Inscription. No doubt, the hidden inscriptions were not destroyed, especially the 3-layer inscriptions in front of the waterhole. Through the transmission of the waterhole, Chen Rui successfully bypassed the defense forces and entered the Crystal Valley.

The scenery of the Crystal Valley was still breathtaking, but the original Devouring Hall, Nightmare Valley, Crystal Lair and other facilities were abandoned. Some had been transformed into mining facilities. Chen Rui reminiscenced the past where he became a spy in the Crystal Valley as if it was just yesterday. The death of Freya and Lafar had always been a pain in his heart.

## Story

### Plan

Compared with the importance of the entire Crystal Valley, the fight between Sabrina and Izola was only a tiny wave. However, if used properly, it might cause a horrifying tsunami and even become a key point. Certainly, he also had to try rescuing Kia's mother, Freya.

The three Demon Overlords had greatly exceeded his original forecast in front of Christina. The result of war in this world was often determined by the handful of the strongest. If the battle against the strongest couldn't be won, it'd be pointless no matter how much reinforcement Catherine sent. Now, two of the three Demon Overlords were out and only the crystal dragon, Jacob was left. Also, Azgalor was likely to see through the puppetry on Fatilu. Therefore, it must be launched before Azgalor returns.

Cutting one finger was better than damaging ten fingers. The most ideal result was to kill the crystal dragon, Jacob and end this base at once. However, since the crystal dragon could become the enemy of Paglio at his peak state, his strength was probably above the other two Demon Overlords. He had to find a way to weaken or make him lose his combat power.

There were too many steps to be considered, and he couldn't take any wrong moves. In the enemy's lair, he would lose everything if he took a wrong step.

### Battle

Sabrina and Izola battle at Mystic Valley, eventually resulting in both of their deaths.

### Azgalor arrives

After a while, Chen Rui's ghostly figure flashed out of that "stable" Crystal Lair. He had already obtained the most important things. Although there were many Dragon Inscriptions in the crystal dragon's secret recovery room that even Master "Arthur" never learned, it wasn't too hard for Chen Rui whose knowledge in inscriptions had surpassed the crystal dragon.

As for the Fountain of Resurrection or the ancient runes magic circle, Chen Rui had already carefully prepared an alternative. It was a magic circle made with a magic crystal as the core which could maintain the output from the crystals without interfering with the crystal dragon's "sweet dream".

A spherical magic item appeared in Chen Rui's hand. This was what Christina gave him previously. When he went out of the valley with Sabrina's company, Chen Rui had learned that there were many more "treasure hunters" in the vicinity. It must be arranged by Empress Catherine.

There were Dragon Inscriptions around the Crystal Valley whose purpose was to cover up. Chen Rui walked to the central area of ​​the with the weakest coverage, he crushed the magic item and threw it on the ground. He then saw a golden light rising into the sky. It was dazzling like a firework. According to Christina, the signal would continuously explode and expand for about ten minutes. It could be seen from hundreds of kilometers.

However, at that moment, a sudden change occurred. A cloud suddenly appeared above the golden light. The "firework" only had time to explode once before it was wrapped by this cloud and disappeared instantly.

After engulfing the golden signal, this strange cloud quickly formed into a human figure. As if it was an illusion, the figure had already appeared in front of Chen Rui after he blinked.

It was the Demon Overlord Azgalor.

When he was facing a Demon Emperor, with Chen Rui's current Scorching Dragon Possession state, there might still be a chance to escape. However, when he was facing a Demon Overlord, he might not have any chance. Now, he was in an unprecedented crisis.

Chen Rui's facial expression changed greatly. It wasn't only because of the appearance of Demon Overlord-level Azgalor, but also because of the two people in Azgalor's hands – Fatilu and Freya!

### Jacob enters

As Azgalor fights the golden War Puppet, Chen escapes towards the Nightmare Valley and the Mystic Valley lab.

However, there he meets Jacob.

"Master, ARE, YOU, OKAY?!" Jacob's greeting came out word by word, and his voice was filled with hatred.

Azgalor was slightly surprised to see "Richard's" appearance changed, "So he's that trio-specialized master? He actually has Demon Emperor-level strength!"

*Trio-specialized genius mechanical master, Demon Emperor-level strength, strange territory and mutated talent... He is definitely an extraordinary genius in this entire Demon Realm.* At that moment, Azgalor hesitated a little. *If I can let this "clanmate" completely surrender, the power of the Beelzebub Royal Family will absolutely be greatly enhanced...*

Jacob's anger was almost at his maximum. When he woke up, he found that the Fountain of Resurrection was completely dried and the most important ancient runes slab in the magic circle were also gone. He almost went crazy. Besides, the thing that replaces all these to temporarily keep him asleep was a temporary magic circle. In the entire Crystal Valley, the only one that could pass through the defensive Dragon Inscriptions silently and set up such a level of magic circle could only be "Master Arthur", who he valued most!

Wrath! Anger! Furious! These words weren't enough to describe the crystal dragon's current mood. A Demon Overlord like him was actually tricked by a lowly ant!

### Secret method

The cold voice of the crystal dragon sounded again, "You have no right to talk about conditions! Since the Fountain of Resurrection can be recovered, then I have a secret method to interrogate everything! Then, I'll imprison your soul forever in endless torture!"

Chen Rui suppressed the strong anger in his heart: *Calm down! Calm down! I have to stay alive! To avenge Freya and Lafar!*

"The dragon's secret technique? Is it Moreche's Forbidden Curse? Or Pankaka's Spirit Extraction?"

Jacob was startled, "How do you know?"

"Let me tell you something. I can end my life as I like to!" Chen Rui sneered, "It's useless even if you have the Blue Dragon, Ranieri's treasure, Icy Board! Besides, the Icy Board was already destroyed by Zola back then!"

Jacob was shocked. These secrets were not even known by his allies, Azgalor and Manu, but this enemy in front of him actually...

"How do you know so much?!" How is this possible?!"

Chen Rui laughed, "Did you forget who damaged you badly back then and made you run away like a poor dog?"

"Pa... Paglio!" Jacob's voice was slightly trembling. It was mixed with hatred and fear. His body was immune to magic, even dragon magic's effect was minimal. Yet, the poison dragon, Paglio's strange venomous attack could actually destroy his crystal body that was immune to poison. Paglio was his greatest enemy and his greatest nemesis!

This "master" turns out to be Paglio's subordinate! Then, the most terrifying enemy already knew that I'm hiding in the Crystal Valley!

Azgalor was also a little surprised that things seemed to be more and more complicated. *That man named Paglio must be Jacob's enemy. Could that be the reason "Richard" sneaked into Crystal Valley? There is still such a force that can rival the crystal dragon behind this clanmate!*

If they just wanted to kill Chen Rui, then it didn't matter how strong his background was. Between Jacob and Azgalor, anyone of them could easily kill him. However, both of them were worried about what Chen Rui had. The Fountain of Resurrection was impossible to be kept in space equipment. The same was true for artifacts. They had to be cautious.

### Enter Christina and Manu

At that moment, Jacob and Azgalor both sensed something. They looked up to the sky and saw that a huge black phoenix had appeared in the sky.

This phoenix's wings spread like clouds which covered the entire sky, exuding a shocking breath.

In the blink of an eye, the phoenix had disappeared like it was an illusion. It turned out that it was a dark-haired woman wearing a robe and a headband.

Even with the veil, one could notice her incomparable beauty.

Chen Rui sensed both of their gaze. When he saw the woman in the sky, he was taken aback: *Christina!*

Christina spoke. Her voice was still as calm as a calm water surface. She didn't panic, but her words made Chen Rui's expression change again.

"There is one more. Come out."

A creepy laughter sounded. Not far behind, a vague figure gradually became clear.

Chen Rui's heart suddenly became cold – *It's Manu! Even the old fox is back!*

*3 vs 1! Christina has no hope!*

## Achievements in Crystal Valley

Chen Rui's infernal affairs in Crystal Valley was considered a great success. The gain was bountiful as well.

The most important thing was the Demon Shield of Leviathan Royal Family's artifact, Illusive Demon Shield. Together with the Illusive Shield in Delia's hands, this artifact would be considered complete with all its parts. Similarly, the importance of the ancient runes slab was not small. If one could understand the profound secrets in it, it might be the key to unlocking Paglio's seal. At the very least, it could also be used as a bargaining chip for Laura.

During this period, he "blackmailed" a lot of precious materials from Manu, crystal dragon and Sabrina. As long as he had a couple more materials which were missing, he could make "Thunderous Sound" again. However, he could not go back to the Mechanic Association for the time being. In addition, there was also the Fountain of Resurrection of unknown use and the massive high-purity magic crystals mined by the crystal dragon for the recovery magic circle. Although it was only a small part of the crystal mine veins, the superb gold crystal and blood crystal alone were worth a heap of fortune. Unfortunately, as a dragon who liked to gather wealth, the treasure of crystal dragon did not seem to be in Crystal Valley. The cautious crystal dragon also remained silent on this.

The base of Crystal Valley should be completely destroyed already. Manu would definitely die. Azgalor and the crystal dragon were severely injured, especially the crystal dragon. He lost the recovery magic circle, so his injury recovery would be very slow. One of the three bosses had been eliminated. However, it wasn't sure if there was a stronger guy behind.

Old institutions die hard. Although this time was a serious blow to the Secret Organization, it had not reached the point of being uprooted yet. From the information disclosed by Sabrina, Isabella of Fallen Angel Empire should also be part of this force. He would most probably meet these old "friends" in the future.

Unfortunately Freya and Lafar died. He didn't know how to explain it to Kia.

*Anyway, I'll go back to Dark Moon first. If I go to Leia Town from the capital, it would be a longer route. The southeast side of the Bloody Vine Estate is Red Spirit Estate. I'll go this way.*

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 272
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chapter 274
3. ↑ Chapter 426 (Steambun)
4. ↑ Chapter 428 (Steambun)
5. ↑ Chapter 280 (Steambun)
6. ↑ Chapter 292 (Steambun)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chapter 294 (Steambun)
8. ↑ Final Fantasy references
9. ↑ https://www.uukanshu.com/b/1296/65841.html (罗拉 Laura)
10. ↑ Chapter 298 (Steambun)