Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength-Chapter 1235 - 1229: The Correct Path

Ronald explained the whole background story to Lulu.

The atmosphere was calm but tense, as the group continued their ascent.

However, during this part of the journey,

they did not encounter traps or magic golems, and the difficulties of the path itself were not enough to stop them.

The barrier enveloping the Well of Judgment seemed to be the only defensive measure here.

Once it was successfully breached, everything within Barrier Mountain would open its doors for you.

"..."

Ronald and his group continued upward.

The upward passage was nearly a kilometer long, and the higher they went, the dimmer the surrounding light became.

Besides individuals like Ronald, who had enhanced senses and abilities,

anyone with slightly inferior abilities could only vaguely discern their surroundings a few meters away. Walking in such a place was not physically taxing, but the oppressive atmosphere grew ever more suffocating.

Although they wouldn't encounter any major problems if things continued like this,

changing the situation would be undoubtedly beneficial.

Ronald thought to himself.

Just as he was considering ways to make a breakthrough, it was Mermaid Lulu who reacted first.

Unfazed by the environment, the adventure-loving mermaid spoke to the others:

"Everyone, let me tell you a story."

"In my adventures, I once visited a place similar to this, and equally fascinating."

"The place was hidden under a desolate land, but it wasn't populated with the usual soil and magma. There, massive cavities and tunnels spread everywhere. Underground water underwent complex transformations, eventually forming thunderous clouds that illuminated the underground world. A unique and magical ecosystem quietly thrived there..."

Lulu had a knack for storytelling.

With just a few sentences to set the theme, she successfully captured everyone's attention.

As everyone's curiosity about her story grew,

Ronald, whose knowledge system was different, couldn't contain his urge to explore.

"Lulu, according to your description, that star... beneath that land lies a vast hollow. But doesn't that cause geological instability and gravitational issues?"

Although Ronald caught himself and rephrased, Lulu still noticed his choice of words.

The mermaid glanced at Ronald with a 'you really are different from the others' look before continuing to explain:

"The framework is quite complex. The star core there is very unique, and the main components of the crust are of supermassive solid material from after the third nova cycle, influenced by factors from three dwarf stars, creating this rare spectacle."

Ronald was thoroughly captivated by Lulu's description.

Seeing no outsiders around, he freely delved into a discussion with Lulu on this knowledge transcending their era.

As for the result...

The mermaid's understanding of cosmic concepts was very clear.

Although there were some differences in naming phenomena, it was certainly not something a civilization constrained to a planet's surface would know.

As their conversation deepened, Ronald discovered some peculiarities.

The mermaid race possessed 'magic,' so their cognition differed from Earth's in some respects. Yet in 'practical exploration,' they were on a completely different level.

"..."

Ronald and Lulu were increasingly enjoying their conversation.

Two individuals not belonging to this world, meeting by chance, sparked an intense exchange that felt almost transcendent.

As for the other two people in the group…

Heloise and Patricia couldn't understand what Ronald and Lulu were discussing at all. But seeing Ronald's enthusiasm, they too were influenced by the mood.

Emotions can be easily transmitted among people.

So even though they were quite puzzled, the previously oppressive atmosphere in the team evaporated completely.

In this serendipitous manner,

Ronald and his group perfectly resolved the distress caused by the environment.

…

The group continued their ascent.

With about a fifth of the way left to reach the summit, Ronald, with the best vision, first noticed something different.

At this moment, the summit of Barrier Mountain looked exactly as the pirate's message had described; large chunks of earth and rock had collapsed all around, submerging the original open volcano crater from above.

But right below this sealed dome,

the gray cloud cluster that Ronald and Bapulor had encountered before drifted quietly, emitting a soft gray glow.

The only difference was that now the cloud cluster's size was over seventy percent smaller than before.

This felt as if it had transported many people, causing a significant energy loss.

"This is it!" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Back then, when Bapulor and I escaped from the [Infinite Negative Field], it was through here!"

Ronald immediately informed the others of this information.

The function of the gray clouds was clear—it transported people across worlds.

At the time, it had sent people from the [Infinite Negative Field] to the reality.

Now that Barrier Mountain appeared in the real world...

If nothing changes, jumping into this gray cloud cluster would transport one back to the [Infinite Negative Field]!

With the target right in front of him, Ronald was understandably excited.

However, with memories of past experiences surfacing, he quickly composed himself and began to ponder some issues that had to be faced.

—How to exit once entering the [Infinite Negative Field]?

—The fleet members of [Grad] who entered one day earlier didn't seem to necessitate entering the mountain. How did they do it? What is their current state?

—Since the cloud cluster is here, why not directly enter it, instead of Catherine insisting on bringing the map in?

Ronald pondered rapidly.

The first question was difficult to answer now. Without entering the [Infinite Negative Field], he couldn't access information from that side.

This would have to be shelved for now.

The second question was easier. The fleet members from [Grad] had entered there, becoming a fact. Finding them would naturally clear up the mystery. As for their state—assuming the [Infinite Negative Field] remains unchanged, due to time dilation, they'd have only been there briefly.

The third question was the most crucial.

The map—why did Catherine leave him a 'token' in the form of a map?

Analyzing it from the map's information, does it imply that entering with the map would lead straight to a place designated by Catherine?

"..."

"I can't stand it anymore!"

"Ronald, I'm going to check it out first!"

As Ronald was deep in thought, Mermaid Lulu couldn't contain her excitement and anticipation.

The next second,

the mermaid abruptly quickened her pace,

suddenly rushing toward the gray cloud cluster above them!