Free Web NovelChapter 61: Chapter 61: The Third Nest
The third Blood Moon Wolf Nest was hidden inside a shallow canyon.
Red grass covered the ground like fresh blood. Bones lined the canyon walls, some old and white, others still carrying scraps of flesh. At the center of the canyon stood a nest made from twisted roots, wolf fur, and crimson crystals. Behind it, a dark cave opened into the hillside.
That cave was the real problem.
The nest itself had eight wolves guarding it.
The cave had more.
Qin Lian counted at least fifteen shadows moving inside, and one heavy breathing pattern deeper within.
Qin Yuheng studied the terrain.
The canyon entrance was narrow. The walls were climbable but unstable. If they attacked directly, wolves from the cave could flood out and surround them.
The better method was to lure the nest guards away first, then destroy the nest before the cave pack fully responded.
"Qin Mo," Qin Yuheng said, "can you seal the cave entrance temporarily?"
Qin Mo stared at the cave.
"With what? A door?"
"Formation spikes."
Qin Mo thought for a moment. "I can create a collapse-warning fake pulse. It may make the wolves hesitate before rushing out. Beasts dislike unstable stone."
"Do it."
"That is not sealing."
"It is delaying."
"Delaying is more realistic."
Qin Mo worked quickly, placing Reinforcement Spikes and formation needles near the canyon floor. Qin Lian moved to the left ridge, preparing to strike from above. Qin Yuchen stayed with Qin Yuheng near the entrance.
The plan began with a thrown Blood Moon Core.
Qin Yuheng used one collected core and threw it toward the right side of the canyon. It struck a stone and cracked, releasing bloody energy.
Three wolves immediately turned.
Blood Moon Wolves were aggressive, and cracked cores attracted them like meat. freewēbnoveℓ.com
The first group rushed out.
Qin Yuheng and Qin Yuchen killed them before they could howl.
The second lure drew two more.
Then the remaining guards became alert.
The nest core pulsed.
The cave pack stirred.
"No more time," Qin Yuheng said.
They attacked.
Qin Lian dropped from the ridge like a shadow, killing the wolf closest to the nest. Qin Yuchen intercepted two wolves trying to rush Qin Mo. Qin Yuheng charged straight toward the nest core.
The cave erupted with howls.
Qin Mo activated the fake collapse pulse.
A deep tremor spread across the cave entrance.
The wolves inside hesitated.
Only for a few breaths.
But a few breaths was enough.
Qin Yuheng reached the nest core and struck with thunder.
The crimson crystal cracked but did not break.
A stronger aura erupted from it, pushing Blood Moon corruption into the air.
[Blood Moon Corruption: 22% → 26%]
Qin Yuheng’s blood heated.
His grip tightened.
The desire to release more power rose inside him.
He swallowed it down.
Control.
He struck again, this time channeling thunder into a precise point.
The core shattered.
[Blood Moon Wolf Nest destroyed: 3 / 3]
[Main Mission Completed.]
[Blood Moon Corruption reduced.]
[Current Corruption: 18%]
The team could now leave. freewebnøvel.coɱ
But the cave pack had recovered.
Wolves poured out.
At their center walked a massive wolf with a mane dark as ink and eyes like two blood moons. Its body was covered in scars, and a crescent-shaped crimson horn grew from its forehead.
[Blood Moon Alpha Wolf]
[Level: 20]
[Floor Boss]
[Danger: Very High]
Qin Mo saw the panel and immediately said, "We are leaving."
Qin Yuheng looked at the boss.
Level 20.
Higher than the Silent Lake Serpent.
This was dangerous.
But the boss was not fully awakened. Its aura was unstable, likely weakened because they had destroyed all three nests before it could gather their power.
A second panel appeared.
[Blood Moon Alpha Wolf weakened by nest destruction.]
[Current effective combat state reduced.]
Qin Yuheng’s eyes narrowed.
Possible.
Not easy.
Possible.
He looked at the team.
"We fight only if we can control the pack."
Qin Mo looked horrified.
"That means yes."
Qin Yuchen said, "The pack is the threat. If we retreat now, they may chase."
Qin Lian nodded. "Canyon entrance is narrow. We can force them through."
Qin Mo stared at them all.
"You have all been infected by him."
Qin Yuheng made the decision.
"Canyon entrance. Defensive kill zone. We do not fight in the open."
They retreated toward the entrance.
The wolves chased.
Qin Mo placed the last prepared anti-berserk talisman at the choke point. Qin Yuchen and Qin Yuheng held the front. Qin Lian attacked from the canyon wall, targeting wounded wolves.
The pack hit them like a red wave.
This was the hardest combat they had faced on Floor 5.
Blood Moon Wolves did not retreat when injured. They bit even as they died. Their claws tore through barricade roots and stone edges. Qin Yuchen took a hit to the shoulder, blocked partly by armor. Qin Lian’s cloak saved her when two wolves nearly detected her on the wall.
The Silent Moon Shadow Cloak proved its worth.
She moved through crimson shadows without drawing the pack’s full attention, killing one wolf after another.
Qin Mo’s formations slowed the charge.
Qin Yuheng’s sword harvested cores.
After twenty minutes, the pack thinned.
The Alpha Wolf finally moved.
It did not charge blindly.
It watched.
Then it leaped onto the canyon wall and rushed toward Qin Lian.
Qin Yuheng’s eyes flashed.
"Lian!"
Qin Lian sensed danger and retreated, but the Alpha Wolf was too fast.
Qin Yuheng activated Thunder Shadow Flash.
Once.
Twice.
He crossed the canyon and intercepted the Alpha mid-leap.
Sword met claw.
The impact sent both crashing into the wall.
Qin Yuheng felt his arm go numb.
The Alpha Wolf’s strength was terrifying even weakened.
It opened its jaws and released a blood-red shockwave.
[Warning: Blood Moon Howl.]
The howl hit Qin Yuheng directly.
His corruption rose.
[Blood Moon Corruption: 18% → 27%]
Rage surged.
For a moment, he wanted to abandon control and tear the beast apart with full thunder power.
Then the Origin Thunder Emperor Body Scripture circulated.
His mind steadied.
Qin Yuheng’s eyes became cold.
"You are loud."
He struck.
Thunder pierced the blood aura.
The Alpha Wolf retreated, bleeding from one eye.
The real boss battle began.
