Chapter 478: Each Gate Harder Than the Last, Damage Increases

Judging from its recent self‑Explosion power, even an experienced Level 80 Warrior could be killed with a single strike at the instant of the blast if he does not activate the ultimate defensive measure in time.

As for other Level 80 professionals, they probably won't even have a chance to react before being blown to pieces.

A BOSS capable of self‑detonation—this is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes.

Jiang Chen carefully recalled the scene that had just unfolded.

Generally, BOSSes of this rank choose to flee when cornered, as they possess a strong survival instinct.

But the BOSS just now decisively chose to self‑detonate.

That is indeed an extremely rare behavior.

Moreover, because it died by self‑detonation, it yielded no Experience Value or loot.

Such a loss is unrewarding for any team that wishes to challenge it.

For this very reason, few dare to challenge in the Thunder‑Burial Canyon.

Jiang Chen waited until the Undead Legion fully recovered, then set out again.

The passage stretches a massive ten thousand meters; Jiang Chen has gradually discerned the canyon's rhythm, pausing for a short rest every two thousand meters.

At this pace, Jiang Chen leads his team like a massive dragon threading through darkness, advancing swiftly and steadily.

After only ten minutes, Jiang Chen arrived at the second fork.

This time, he faced four different path options.

But armed with the information previously obtained from Antares, Jiang Chen did not hesitate to take the second road.

Just upon entering this passage, a dazzling flash of lightning again

burst forth.

Compared with the previous lightning, this flash looks similar outwardly, yet its power has noticeably increased.

Compared with when we first entered the canyon, the lightning's power this time is about 30% higher.

However, for Jiang Chen, this increase is not enough to pose a serious threat.

He looked up at the sky and saw two brilliant stars already appearing, flashing with dazzling light.

"The number of stars has increased, and their radiance has become brighter,"

"Could their level have risen as well?"

Jiang Chen guessed silently in his mind while continuing forward.

After traveling less than a kilometer, he saw with his own eyes those two stars fall from the sky.

When the starlight struck the ground, it exploded instantly, and two majestic Lightning Beasts emerged.

Although this change was unexpected, Jiang Chen had already prepared a response.

Facing the two Lightning Beasts that surged like lightning, Jiang Chen remained unflustered; he swiftly summoned the Undead Legion and unleashed the Aging Curse and the Toxic Star Explosion.

At the same time, a Toxic Lich also appeared beside him.

After completing all preparations, he calmly used the Detection Technique.

"Lightning Beast (Boss-level Monster)"

"Level: 81"

"Power: 400000"

"Agility: 500000"

"Spirit: 300000"

"Constitution: 550000"

"Skill: Lightning Absorb (Passive), Lightning Blast"

"Traits: Lightning Element Immunity, can absorb lightning to strengthen itself, Life Force Enhancement, Power Enhancement, Speed Enhancement"

Compared with the previous Lightning Beasts,

this time their level has risen by one and their number has increased by one.

Although their attributes have improved, their skills and traits remain unchanged.

For ordinary professionals, facing one BOSS versus two BOSSes is a completely different challenge; they can easily become distracted in battle.

But for Jiang Chen, this change has little impact.

Under the assault of the Undead Legion, these two Level 81 ordinary BOSSes were quickly defeated one by one.

Near death, they attempted to self‑detonate, but Jiang Chen had already seen through their intent.

He tried to use Soul Burn and Bone Prison to interrupt their self‑detonation, protecting himself and his team.

The result was again disappointing.

The two BOSSes almost self‑detonated simultaneously, their force more ferocious than any previous instance.

Countless Skeletons were shattered under the rampage of lightning, receiving relentless lightning Whip in mid‑air.

Fortunately, the Lich General was prepared, swiftly casting Healing Technique, barely stabilizing the situation.

Jiang Chen's expression grew increasingly grim amid the BOSSes' self‑detonations.

He could clearly feel the self‑detonation power rising step by step, and the damage to Skeletons multiplying.

If this continues, even the toughest Skeletons may become unable to withstand it.

What worries him more is that the full talent connection might fail under this overwhelming force.

Know that this is only the second fork.

There are seven more even more treacherous forks ahead, and the power will only become more terrifying.

Even with the Undead Lich's Undead Aura protection, because the BOSSes' self‑detonations are not simultaneous, there will always be a certain

time lag.

That brief time lag is enough for many Skeletons to suffer successive severe injuries.

This also greatly reduces the effect of the Undead Aura, making it hard to exert its intended function.

Jiang Chen looked up at the sky, where two stars still glittered brightly.

He knows that the upcoming challenge will be even more arduous.

He must quickly find a countermeasure, or he and his Undead Legion will face a huge crisis.

While pondering, Jiang Chen did not stop moving; he swiftly arrived at the third fork.

This time, six passages appeared before him, each filled with the unknown and danger.

Had Antares not previously given the correct guidance, he would likely have lost his way among the six passages.

Choosing incorrectly would mean he could not reach the final destination—the mysterious Crystal.

"This time, choose the fourth one."

Jiang Chen made the decision in his mind and decisively stepped into the fourth passage.

Lightning raged again; this is the norm in the Burial Lightning Canyon.

Jiang Chen has become accustomed to these frequent Explosions, and his Undead Legion grows tougher with each baptism of lightning.

However, this time he sensed an unusually formidable presence.

Bone Armor shattered in the lightning, and the remaining lightning surged toward him like a volley of ten thousand arrows.

A faint numbness spread through his whole body; Jiang Chen knew this was only the beginning.

He must quickly find a countermeasure, or he and his Undead Legion will be destroyed in this lightning baptism.

Taking two more steps forward, Jiang Chen tested the lightning with his own body, feeling the power of the lightning within the passage.

His complexion instantly grew unusually solemn, as if shrouded in a veil of gloom.

"The power has actually increased by 60%," he muttered, his voice revealing deep worry.

"From 10% the first time, to 30% the second, then 60% the third."

"Each Amplify added another 10% on top of the previous one."

"According to this pattern, the fourth lightning's power will reach 100%, doubling directly."

"By the fifth, it will be a 150% Amplify, and by the ninth, a staggering 450%."

"This means the lightning's power will rise by 5.5 times; such force likely requires at least a Level 88 professional to barely withstand."

Jiang Chen's complexion grew increasingly grim; he looked up at the sky, his eyes flashing with doubt and unease.

Three stars hung high in the air, shimmering with dazzling light.

Just as he had anticipated, the number of lightning beasts here had risen to three.

A sense of helplessness welled up in his heart.

Antares had warned him that adventurers entering Burial Lightning Canyon should not exceed Level 80.

However, it now seems that this restriction is somewhat contradictory.

Even a Level 79 Earth Knight would likely be unable to withstand lightning amplified by 5.5 times.

Moreover, powerful BOSSes are waiting for them.

Jiang Chen couldn't help but take a deep breath; the peril of Burial Lightning Canyon far exceeds his imagination.

It feels like a deathly wasteland, offering no chance of survival at all.

Nevertheless, he has no intention of retreating.

He knows he must find a way to discover a sliver of hope in this dire situation.

He looks up at those three stars, his eyes

flashing with steadfast light.

No matter how many difficulties and challenges lie ahead, he will forge ahead until he fulfills the purpose of this journey.