?Several hours went by, as I was finis.h.i.+ng up the vehicle that was going to move us through the Dark Garden.
And soon, I was done and had both hands behind my back as I was looking at this makes.h.i.+ft creation.
It was the size of a small room, with four walls and several windows. Basically, a flying square.
However, the windows had several slots where the miniguns are planted and solidified on.
"I suppose you're done," said Old Fu.
"Yes, I'm done," I said.
"Then can you explain to me what is this?" he asked.
"Oh, this is a flying fortress. Although we'll only be moving just above ground level, I don't want to fly in the dark and basically blind since we can't use Divine Sense." I said
"You mean, this thing can fly? Not even us cultivators can," One of the soldiers said.
The captain immediately gave him an aggressively stern look to shut him down.
"Don't worry," I said to the captain, "Not only will the fortress fly, but you all can use your Qi to an extent once we takeoff," I said.
Everyone looked at each other, unable to understand what I meant.
Instead of explaining, I was better off showing them.
On each of the eight corners of the cube was a bunch of inscribed talismans that were powered by a Saint Qi generator I had on me.
This generator was of the older generation unlike the ones inside X and Y, this one was what the hundred or so puppets I own use. They're mainly used to supplement Qi with as much efficiency as possible, and don't have the ability to store more Saint Qi crystals inside them. So, we'll have to supplement it regularly.
This small generator will continuously flood the talismans with Qi that they'll use to create a constant and powerful barrier around us. Able to stop the atmosphere of the Sea of Demons from affecting us or the inner workings of the flying cube/hoverboard.
But the barrier itself is not enough to completely protect us. In case we're attacked by the beasts of the Sea of Demons, the barrier itself won't be enough protection. That's why I had to implement weapons and tools that will allow us to defend ourselves.
I also improved upon the many grenades and explosive cannisters I own. Since that awkward attempt against the Nargacougar which failed miserably to detonates. I now stuck a talisman of protection against each of my explosive devices. This will allow the cannisters ample time to detonate before the atmosphere of the Sea of Demons ruin their innerworkings.
Although the talisman will be taking a bit of Qi from inside the cannister itself, thus reducing its effect. It is still far better than outright wasting it.
"Get on," I said to the cultivators. And they all hopped in. It was by no means s.p.a.cious, but it was enough for all of us to stand inside together with s.p.a.ce between us.
"Strap those belts around your waists, in case this cube is attacked by a heavy blow, it won't cause us to slam against each other," I told the bunch.
And they all did, while I remained without a belt.
"I can use my own Qi to cement my foot on the ground," I explained before any of them tried to ask me.
After all, even inside this cube, none of them can use their Qi yet.
"If you have some Saint Qi crystals, use enough of it to protect your bodies with a protective Qi coating. Don't over use Crystals, we need them to feed that generator," I said as I pointed at the 'ceiling' where the generator was actively fueling Qi through Divine Bra.s.s to the corners of the cube.
"As for those rotatory tools in front of you, you already saw how they work, so I trust that you know how to aim, and click the trigger," I said.
The Soldiers nodded, "We have repeating ballistae you know," said one of the Soldiers, as if a mini gun and a ballista is the same."
"Kyu, X, it's time to move," I said.
X hopped on top of the cube and struck against it twice, signaling that he was ready for departure.
And Kyu jumped right through one of the windows and rested itself on my head.
He was able to shrink his size thankfully, since his feline form was decently large.
"Alright, then," I said as I pressed on the central pedal of the hoverboard.
The inner Generator of the Hoverboard activated, and Qi began flooding from inside of the generator to the thrusters of the hoverboard.
The entire box slowly rose up, steadily too. And around us a green barrier manifested itself around the cube. And we began moving.
I was a bit annoyed at the fact that we'll be losing a pretty big piece of Saint Qi crystal that was the source of our primary barrier on the ground however, X threw one of his hooks at the saint Qi crystal that was behind us and yanked it toward him. He then threw it to me from one of the windows.
"Good job X," I smiled as I continued navigating the cube.
At first, we were moving at a steady and slow speed. And soon, I began accelerating, making sure to avoid trees and any obstacles in our way.
The path in front of us didn't seem any safe, especially with many screeches and howls of beasts all over the Dark Garden, and the many shadows moving about. However, we were still protected enough with the barrier to tide through any dangers.
I also used a couple of flashlights to help us navigate through the darkness, though their utility was very limited it was better than going in full darkness.
And so we moved.
***
"What an interesting fella," said the Wisest Sun.
"Indeed, did you see how he managed to contract the Sea of Demon's atmosphere? Not only that, he even used that protection to create that machine of his. Wonderful," said the Lord of Lords.
The Red Sun grumbled however as he drank some more.
"Are you upset that they'll find out the secret?" the Wisest Sun grinned.
"I suppose a hundred years bet was too much. However, I'm sure that at least you won't win the bet," the Red Sun said to the Lord of Lords.
"Ho, ho, ho, we'll have to wait and see," he replied as he rubbed his beard.
"I mean although they have means to move faster, they're still in the outer layer of the Dark Garden. The moment they enter the secondary layer, they'll be in a complete mess. Not to mention the central layer, that tool of theirs will probably not make it," the Red Sun sneered.
"I don't know about that, you already saw that weapon, it was able to wound the Snickering Rats. It should do some decent damage, especially with how many they have on board," said the Lord of Lords.
"But once they enter the second layer, most beasts there have evolved to become predators, their entire bodies are designed to destroy and dismantle. The rats are the lowest of the food chain, not to mention, even more Zombified beasts will show up, sentient ones of course," said the Red Sun.
The Lord of Lords couldn't retort, after all, he too knew of the dangers that waited ahead.
All he could do was wish the best of luck to the group.