Chapter 74: Forbidden Spell, Another Forbidden Spell?!-Mass Job Change: My Skills Are All Forbidden Spells with a Ten Thousand Times Boost(By the banks of the Ruoshui River, the wine cups drift along the gentle current.)

"Senior, let's hurry and go. If we delay any longer, Gao Chong definitely won't be able to hold out. He's only a second-tier assassin; even with his innate stealth and speed, facing a creature of that level, he can only last for a short while." Wang Qian anxiously turned to Senior Si Lintian beside him, his impression of Gao Chong was quite favorable.

He certainly didn't want to see his newly acknowledged younger brother die here.

Si Lintian's expression grew grave. "You young people nowadays will do anything to change your profession!"

"The Forest Guardian is nearly at platinum-level strength. For a second-tier rogue to stall it—by the time we arrive, that kid might already be a corpse."

Gao Gen quickly chimed in, "He might hold out until we get there, Senior. This is a matter of life and death; time is of the essence!"

Though he wasn't fond of Gao Chong, in such a critical moment, he couldn't possibly act against him.

Si Lintian waved his hand. "Such trouble! All because Sun Hu keeps bringing these bothersome matters to me. Let's go!"

...

[Chaotic Domain]

Suddenly, Si Lintian halted, blocking everyone behind him.

Du Wanting asked in confusion, "Senior, why have we stopped? Gao Chong can barely hold on!"

"Quiet!" Si Lintian's brows knitted tightly. That terrifying aura just now—what was the source?

Such a level of power could never have come from the Forest Guardian!

Could it be that a higher-tier monster has emerged in the Diamond Forest?

That aura was dreadful—even I, a Heaven-Shaking Mage, feel a chill encountering this. What is happening!

"Not good!" Si Lintian raised both hands skyward, conjuring a massive protective shield above their heads.

"Stay behind me. If you value your lives, don't step outside!"

The group exchanged bewildered glances, completely unaware of what was happening. Yet in the next moment, shock filled their eyes.

This...

At that instant, a barrage of ice arrows descended from the sky, powerful magical turbulence gathering overhead.

The arrows fell at incredible speed—when they struck the ground, they blasted deep craters, instantly freezing the earth solid.

Even within Si Lintian's magical barrier, the group felt the biting cold pierce to their bones.

Terrifying!

"Senior Si Lintian, what is happening?" Du Wanting asked fearfully.

Though she'd seen powerful magic before, it was still astonishing.

"A forbidden spell!" Si Lintian gritted his teeth, sustaining the barrier. "This forbidden spell is extremely refined—it's absolutely top-tier among forbidden arts."

"It's very similar to the forbidden spell we witnessed in Huiyue City."

"I'm afraid that one has appeared!"

Hearing this, the group fell silent. Wang Qian slowly spoke, "Is it the mage who nearly destroyed Huiyue City?"

"Unless I'm mistaken, it's likely him," Si Lintian said sternly. "Unexpected—he truly is here. If so, what does he seek to kill in the Steel Forest?"

"What requires such a forbidden spell to destroy?"

Wang Qian speculated, "Could it be that another high-tier monster has appeared in the Diamond Forest, and he's repelling it?"

"Impossible," Si Lintian said. "The monitoring department in Yanyun City has been scanning all dungeons—nothing powerful has been detected here."

"Could he be targeting that senior?" Gao Gen blurted out.

"That one?" Du Wanting asked, puzzled.

"Earlier, we met a powerful senior. The Public Security Bureau suspects he might be the warrior you encountered before."

"That's why I had that answer."

Du Wanting's heart trembled—so the three-eyed demon ape was really hunted for her by Wang Qiang?

Si Lintian said, "This level of battle is no longer suitable for you. Once the ice arrows dissipate, leave here at once. To behave so recklessly within our empire's borders—I will not let them off lightly."

"Senior, that warrior hasn't done anything wrong. If you capture him, could you let him go?" Du Wanting pleaded.

"We'll see what his justification is," Si Lintian replied. "If he's serving the empire, he'll receive the highest honors."

"Such a warrior is a prized asset of the empire, rest assured."

...

Lin Han regarded the Forest Guardian coldly. The guardian had been pierced by countless ice arrows, its body frozen solid.

No sign of life remained.

"It could have died quietly, but it forced me to be ruthless," Lin Han sighed. "Looks like I've ruined the Diamond Forest as well. Never mind, Si Lintian has already shielded his group, so they're safe."

"This Heart of the Guardian shall be mine."

With that, Lin Han strode to the guardian's corpse, smashed the ice with his fist, and retrieved the Heart of the Guardian.

Now, however, Lin Han faced a headache: if he left now, the trail could easily lead to Gao Chong.

Moreover, judging by the leaks from the public security agents, they already possessed information on everyone participating in the dungeon.

Next comes the third-tier advancement—if it succeeds, they'll know I've acquired the Heart of the Guardian, and the suspicion will fall on me.

He would have to explain how he obtained it.

Everything had become more complicated after this incident.

Lin Han eyed the fallen ice arrows, found a secluded spot, and took out a backup phone he'd prepared earlier, dialing a number.

"Hello, sir, this is Manager Liu from Huiyue City's trading market. How can I assist you?" came Manager Liu's puzzled voice.

Very few VIPs possessed this number—who was this caller?

Lin Han spoke in Gao Chong's voice, "Hello, I have a Heart of the Guardian from the Diamond Forest in Yanyun City. I wonder if you're interested?"

"This Forest Guardian is a plant-type monster, its strength nearly reaching platinum-level. If your price is right, I might consider selling."