The copy has 0 error tolerance, and the last words on the ground are all wrong for me.

Chapter 459 Ambush
Wu Changjia's martial prowess carried a malevolent aura, deterring the water monsters from approaching. Without the obstruction of the water monsters, the group successfully reached the opposite shore of Dongshan Lake.

Of the forty-nine cities in Tianlan Province, the Demon Realm occupies twenty-eight cities and over a hundred counties.

Apart from the Fire Demon King Zhu Yinhai, who had already been killed by Wu Chang and preferred to stay in the city, the other three Demon Kings all resided in the wild. To avoid conflict with each other, the four Demon Kings were kept far apart.

This allowed the Human Alliance to split up and probe the Demon Realm separately when they explored it before, without having to worry about being besieged by the four Demon Kings.

This is an advantage, but it also brings a problem: the journey to and from the destination will be longer.

Being in the Demon Realm, one cannot be as flamboyant as outside the Demon Realm, using flying mounts or supernatural powers to travel.

Riding a fast horse with the bloodline of a spirit beast is already the fastest way to travel.

After placing the boat on the riverbank and activating the concealment array on the hull, An Rong was about to open the cargo hold and release the fast horses prepared inside.

During the journey by boat, the players had already learned the identities of the three cultivators from the Human Alliance. Upon seeing this, Wu Changzhenwo quickly spoke up:

“Your Excellency, we have our own way of traveling and do not need to rely on these horses.”

Riding a fast horse to the Demon King's territory takes at least two or three days, and at most five or six days one way.

This is why the teams exploring the Demon Realm at the same time made different progress. It allowed Lü Changgeng to finish exploring the Water Demon King and still have time to help An Rong. It took Tao Xian several days after the two teams returned from the Demon Realm before they led their teams back.

In the eyes of the Humanitarian Alliance, a few days is not a long time. After all, in the Humanitarian Alliance's plan, the original time for them to activate the seven array eyes was one and a half to two months later.

We're already almost two months ahead of schedule, so a few days' delay is nothing.

But in the eyes of Wu Chang and others, even a few hours are extremely precious, let alone a few days. If they were to waste the time for exploring the dungeon in advance on this, it would be a crime.

An Rong asked in confusion, "I told you when we were on the boat that the spiritual energy emitted by all magic and supernatural powers is extremely conspicuous in the demon realm, like a fire in the dead of night, which can be clearly seen by demons from several miles away."

"Don't you use magic and spiritual energy in your methods of traveling?"

Other players wouldn't have this kind of method, but with the clay figure, traveling is no longer a problem.

The clay figure took out a piece of clay that had been prepared in Zhenyue City. As energy was injected, the clay figure transformed into an all-terrain transport vehicle in front of everyone.

After completing the S-rank dungeon Steam Phantom, all members of the Arcane Knights received significant improvements, including the Clay Golem.

Previously in Steam Phantom, she could only create some simple small vehicles. The rewards for clearing Steam Phantom gave her a deeper understanding of job change abilities. Although she hadn't reached the level of Origin Power, she could still create some complex vehicles.

For example, there's a huge all-terrain transport vehicle in front of us that can carry everyone.

An Rong stared in disbelief at the enormous metal monster that had suddenly appeared before him. He exclaimed in surprise:

"What kind of magical artifact is this? How can it be so huge?"

Wu Changzhen said:

"Has Your Excellency ever heard of the art of mechanisms?"

An Rong nodded first, then shook his head and said:
"I've heard of crossbows, compass carts, and tomb passage mechanisms, but this is something I've never heard of before."

Zhenwo said, "This is a variant of mechanical arts, and it comes from the same source as mechanical arts. You can think of it as a mechanical carriage."

"Don't let its bulky and heavy appearance fool you; it is actually very agile and can adapt to different terrains. It can run like the wind without relying on ruts or even flat ground."

The all-terrain transport vehicle touched on An Rong's blind spot. He turned to look at Wu Chang and asked him with his eyes whether this was a reliable thing to do.

Wu Chang's expression turned serious. He looked the all-terrain transport vehicle up and down several times before speaking:

"The skills of the celestial beings in using mechanical arts far surpass those of the Great Mystery. We might as well try it out by the lake first. If it doesn't work, then we can switch to a faster horse."

Seeing that Master Tang had made the decision, An Rong said no more and followed Zhenwo's command, entering the all-terrain transport vehicle with the other players.

Once inside, he was even more amazed by the ingenuity of the machine-driven vehicle.

Everything inside the vehicle was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. It was just ordinary metal to the touch, without any spiritual energy, but the exquisite craftsmanship was something that even the Divine Sword Sect could not match.

He looked around as if he had just left Shili Huai Mountain and entered the city.

He felt that everything was new and exciting, and entering the car was like entering a completely new world.

The only thing that puzzled him was that all the celestial beings, including the clay figures who created the machine, looked uneasy as soon as they got on the vehicle, as if they were about to suffer misfortune.

One of the celestial beings, named Hakuba, was distributing unknown white pills.

The pills were sent to Master Tang and his wife, but Master Tang shook his head and refused. Bai Ma tried to persuade him twice without success, then turned to him and said:
"Your Excellency, this is motion sickness medicine. The car will be a bit bumpy later. Would you like one?"

Bumpy?

An Rong's face showed a strange expression. He was proficient in the art of beast taming and often rode the mountain-guarding beast to patrol the mountains. He had experienced all kinds of bumps and jolts, so why would he be afraid of this machine car that was more stable than a large ship?

If Sect Leader Tang and his wife don't need it, then naturally he doesn't need it either.

"Thank you for your kindness, but cultivators of the Great Profound Realm are not so delicate. I can endure the mere discomfort of the journey."

White Horse sighed helplessly, turned around and returned to his seat, fastening his seatbelt.

Wu Changzhen, sitting in the driver's seat, glanced at the rearview mirror and, seeing everyone seated, said:
"Destination has been entered, everyone buckle up, we're about to depart."

When he looked down, he had already entered driving mode, his face full of excitement, and he stepped on the gas pedal to the floor.

Since using the mechanical crown, which upgraded his driving skills to mechanical mastery, he has felt the exhilaration of complete control every time he drives a machine.

This moment was no exception; the instant his hands touched the steering wheel, he became one with the all-terrain vehicle.

Skill Name: Grandmaster-Level Mechanical Mastery

"Skill Description: You can easily and precisely control any mechanical vehicle and weapon, and according to your own characteristics, you can endow the machine you drive with special abilities, developing its true potential. The movement speed, stability, agility, stamina, and damage of the mechanical vehicles and weapons you drive are increased by 30%."

The machines made from clay figurines are essentially a kind of magical life form; injecting energy into them can increase the vehicle's speed.

However, due to the limitations of the clay puppet's skills, the speed that can be increased is limited, with a maximum increase of only 50%. But under Wu Chang's mechanical control, this limitation is increased to 150%.

In addition, the 30% increase in mechanical control and the 10% increase from the "White Ghost" equipment, when calculated multiplicatively, raise the maximum speed of the all-terrain transport vehicle from 120 km/h to 430 km/h.

The all-terrain transport vehicle launched itself into the air, roaring towards the Wind Demon King's territory like a steel beast.

What's it like to race against time in a racing car and speed across off-road terrain?
An Rong couldn't explain it; he only felt that his consciousness was not keeping up with his body, and he was left behind the car, struggling to catch up.

What tormented him so much was not only the speed and the bumpy road, but also Wu Chang's excessive focus on driving, as if he were carrying everyone on his back.

On the road, he will rapidly change direction, using all sorts of agile maneuvers that exceed the limits of the vehicle.

An Rong looked at the pale-faced members of the White Horse Clan and instantly understood why they had been on high alert earlier.

Is it too late to ask Bai Ma for the so-called motion sickness medicine now?

If he weren't representing the Humanity Alliance at this moment, and had to uphold the Humanity Alliance's dignity in front of the Celestials, he would definitely have stopped this machine car.

In his pain, he looked at Master Tang, who, like him, had never ridden in a motorcade before, but found that Master Tang's expression was normal and his posture was relaxed, as if he was completely unaffected.

Upon seeing this, he was immediately filled with respect. As expected of a grandmaster with profound knowledge and extensive experience in battle, Master Tang was indeed very experienced, able to maintain physical stability and clear thinking even in such an environment.

No wonder Sect Leader Tang was able to pass the Kaiyang Immortal Mansion test and defeat the Immortal Mansion Master's clone head-on; his skill is evident in the details.

Wu Chang noticed An Rong's gaze and took the opportunity during their journey to ask An Rong about the progress of the poisoner.

They didn't announce the Fire Demon King's death so that the poisoner would think the plan had failed and thus take further action.

Last night's banquet had a similar lineup of attendees to Tao Xian's victory celebration, making it the perfect opportunity.

An Rong was already on guard. As long as his attention wasn't entirely focused on Gu Zhihan, he could catch anyone who tried to probe or poison him again during the meal.

The fragments of lightning magic within him also belonged to the spiritual energy system. He learned from An Rong's method, using spiritual power to focus his voice into a line, and transmitted it telepathically:

"During yesterday's banquet, did you encounter any suspicious targets? Including Gu Zhihan, did anyone probe your whereabouts yesterday?"

An Rong tried his best to remain calm and replied: "Yesterday, from the time I arrived until I left, a total of twenty-three cultivators spoke to me. Their behavior was normal, and I could not tell whether they were the poisoners."

"But Miss Gu, she..."

Wu Chang pressed, "What happened to him?"

An Rong looked somewhat reserved as he said:
"She noticed that my consciousness was damaged, and after leaving the table, she came to my room and used her magic to heal my injuries."

"She also gave me a magical artifact containing a magical technique, saying it would help me suffer less injury."

Wu Chang asked, "Can I see through that magical artifact?"

An Rong took off a jade safety buckle from around his neck and handed it to Wu Chang.

Wu Chang could sense the power of immortality from the peace buckle. It indeed contained immortal techniques, and its aura was upright and peaceful. His spiritual senses felt no unease when they came into contact with it, and he could tell that there was no tampering inside.

Moreover, judging from the intensity of the immortal power, Gu Zhihan must have put in a lot of effort. The immortal techniques contained within, if not able to bring the dead back to life, can at least provide immunity to one fatal attack.

He looked at Eileen, who nodded slightly to him, indicating that she also thought there was no problem.

Wu Chang returned the jade safety buckle to An Rong, saying:
“Miss Gu probably doesn’t mean you any harm, but if I’m not mistaken, she probably knows something and is using this safety amulet to warn you.”

If the poisoner was Gu Zhihan, she wouldn't have pointed out An Rong's mental injury; she would have remained silent and prepared for her next plan.

By pointing it out, she was telling An Rong that, in the eyes of someone with a discerning eye, it was clear that he had been attacked, and that the attacker was skilled at targeting the mind and spirit.

The gift of the peace amulet, which contains life-saving magic, is probably a way of telling An Rong that the other party's actions will not stop there, and he will face fatal danger.

An Rong understood what Wu Chang meant. He put the safety buckle back on and said in a calm tone:

“I know, but I don’t want to cause her any trouble.”

“I am not afraid of the other party continuing to attack. Ever since the earth dragon turned over, whether in Huaigu Village, Renxin Pavilion, Rendao Alliance or Immortal Mansion, there have always been people around me who want me dead.”

"I'm not only alive because of good luck; they would need to have the ability to kill me."

Wu Chang thought to himself, "You're not just lucky, your luck is even better than your luck."

The aura of fortune surrounding An Rong was even more dazzling than that of Olivia, a chosen one of the plane who survived to the end, making him arguably the protagonist of the dungeon plane.

Generally speaking, villains who want the protagonist to die are often backfired by the protagonist's plot armor and don't have a good ending.

He asked, "If you were in the position of the poisoner, assuming that his strength or status prevented him from acting directly and that he had to resort to other methods, what would he do?"

An Rong fell into thought. After more than ten minutes, he looked up at Wu Chang and transmitted his voice:
"This motor vehicle is too bumpy, making my thoughts chaotic and making it difficult to concentrate."

Wu Chang: ...

Why didn't you say so earlier if you couldn't figure it out? You made me wait for so long for nothing.

With his master-level mechanical control, Zhenwo made the all-terrain transport vehicle extremely durable.

He floored the accelerator the whole way, never slowing down no matter what terrain he passed through, not even in sparse woods.

Many monsters passed by along the way, but most of them only felt a black shadow flash by, and when they turned around, the all-terrain transport vehicle was nowhere to be seen.

Even some flying monsters, upon seeing the all-terrain transport vehicle from above, mistook it for a newly arrived monster and did not launch an attack.

After speeding for more than three hours, they finally arrived at Calabash Mountain, where the Wind Demon King was located.

Hulu Mountain is named for its shape, which resembles an overturned gourd.

The valley where Hulukou is located is often windy, and when the wind blows, it blocks out the sun and makes the surrounding trees sway.

Before the Demon Realm appeared, many cultivators suspected that there was a celestial palace hidden inside Calabash Mountain, and that the strong winds at Calabash Mouth were pouring out from the celestial palace in the mountain.

However, the cultivators of the Human Alliance came many times, and the elder-level grandmasters also came twice, but they failed to find the location of the immortal mansion and the matter was dropped.

When the Demon Realm appeared, the Wind Demon King used this unremarkable and undangerous mountain as his base, proving that there must be something unusual in the mountain, but the Human Alliance had not discovered it before.

The all-terrain transport vehicle stopped outside Hulushan. As soon as everyone got out of the vehicle, they leaned against a tree trunk and vomited.

While vomiting, Jianxing looked up at his true self and said:

"Peace, your driving skills seem even wilder than before."

Wu Chang said, "The basic speed of the all-terrain transport vehicle is too slow, which affects my performance. Next time, I'll have the clay puppets make some powerful vehicles, and then I'll take you guys for a proper ride."

Everyone shook their heads after hearing this, saying that going slower would allow the process to take longer, and that going too fast was not necessarily a good thing.

After a brief rest, the group calmed their breathing and headed towards the Calabash Pass.

According to An Rong, when the cultivators of the Human Alliance were exploring the Demon Realm, Lü Changgeng had taken a detour around Calabash Mountain on his return journey and happened to see a gust of wind descend from the sky and land at the mouth of Calabash Mountain.

If you want to test the Wind Demon King, you must start with the mouth of the gourd.

On the way here, An Rong told everyone that the territory where the Demon King resided was not randomly selected. The place where the four Demon Kings were stationed was like the Seven Star Immortal Mansion, containing some kind of array rule, and was like the "eye of the array".

The territory contains four special demonic energies: earth, water, fire, and wind. Within the territory, the demon king can continuously draw demonic energy, making his power almost inexhaustible.

They would be better off luring the Demon King out from the edge of his territory and then fighting him.

If you fall behind, as long as you stay away from the Demon King's territory, the Demon King will be too afraid to pursue you.

For Wu Chang, the destination of this trip was to explore the Heavenly Gate. Not wanting to waste too much time on the Wind Demon King, he followed An Rong's advice and slowly approached the Gourd Mouth.

The most distinctive feature of the Demon King's territory is that when you arrive at the border, you will feel that the corresponding elements are extremely active.

In the territory of Zhuyinhai, all the vegetation on the mountain has withered and died, and the air is like being mixed with fire threads, which will burn your lungs if you inhale it.

The territory of the Water Demon King is perpetually shrouded in rain and mist.

The Calabash Mountain, where the Wind Demon King resides, should also undergo corresponding changes.

As the group approached, from five miles outside Hulu Mountain to less than five hundred meters from Hulu Mouth, they found that not only were the elements active, but they also did not see the strong winds that usually occur at Hulu Mouth.

It seemed calm on the surface, but Wu Chang's brows were furrowed the whole time. From the very beginning, he had a bad feeling; his intuition told him that there was danger ahead.

He knew there was something strange about Calabash Mountain, but the warning signs were too weak to pose any threat to him, so he paid no attention and continued to lead the group closer.

But his increasingly clear intuition told him that the Wind Demon King had not moved; it was still in Calabash Mountain. However, the Wind Demon King's true territory might be inside the belly of Calabash Mountain.

Wu Chang waved his hand and said, "Get closer. If you still can't find the Wind Demon King, then..."

The original self looked at the true self, and the true self, in turn, looked at the shadow and said:

"If we still can't find the Wind Demon King, we'll try to find the entrance into the mountain's belly. Shadow, you go in and investigate."

He brought along members of the Mystic Knights on this trip not just so they could sit back and reap the benefits, but also so they could be put to use when needed.

They are still in the limited exploration stage, and the blessing status on them is still present. As long as they do not take the initiative to attack, they will not be harmed.

The shadow nodded and said, "Leave it to me."

As the group continued to approach the gourd-shaped opening, when they were less than a hundred meters away, the sky and earth suddenly changed color, and a thick black wind surged out from the small hill shaped like the gourd opening.

In the blink of an eye, the area within a ten-mile radius of Hulu Mountain was shrouded in black wind.

Within Calabash Mountain, thousands of demons rose with the wind, blotting out the sky and enveloping the crowd.

Wu Changzhen rubbed his hands excitedly. He had been worried about not having a chance to increase his strength, and now the strength points were delivered to his doorstep.

No, he shouldn't be excited right now. He should say:
"No, there's an ambush!"

(End of this chapter)