Chapter 1920: 540 Are you ready to get started?

…

Facing Clayde’s enthusiastic team invitation,

Matthew had to tactfully decline:

“I’d love to accompany you, but I’m sorry, I have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Disappointment was evident in Clayde’s tone:

“Oh, is that so? You’re really not tempted by Beckman’s treasure?”

“Fine, I respect your decision.”

“I had hoped to join you for a strike against them, such a pity…”

Matthew nodded slightly, offering a few more words of explanation.

But he was quickly interrupted by Clayde:

“There’s no need to explain too much to me; I think I’ve guessed why you suddenly showed up here.”

“It’s because of that woman we mentioned in our conversation, isn’t it?”

“I’ve heard about the things you did in Storluk, quite remarkable indeed, to provoke a lord with a mortal’s body. Even I might not have the courage to do so.”

Matthew replied with a smile:

“You’re too modest, Clayde, I believe it’s not the courage you lack, just the interest and energy.”

Clayde’s voice noticeably brightened:

“You’re right, I do indeed find such tedious matters bothersome.”

“However, having said that, coincidentally, while researching Barthor’s deeds, I did a little investigation on that woman.”

“Here are three items that I’m giving you, which might aid your cause…”

As he spoke,

a white light flew out from the Yellow Jade Dragon and approached Matthew.

The white light split into three.

Matthew took a closer look.

They were three dragon scales of different shapes.

These scales were obviously not from the same Winged Dragon Wind God, and the charms densely inscribed on them represented the strength of different domains.

Matthew took the scales and felt a familiar sensation wash over him–

“This isn’t this the ‘Dragon Scale Talisman’ ability I’ve newly acquired?”

“So the Yellow Jade Dragon also possesses this ability?”

“And judging by the precision and power of the charms, Clayde’s ability is much stronger than mine, likely the result of years of accumulation and continuous training…”

Among the three dragon scales, two were from the dragons of the West Continents.

The powers they bore were the ‘Curse of Decline’ and the ‘Recovery Curse.’

To Matthew’s surprise,

these were not spells.

Instead, they were domains that could be maintained!

“Once you activate these two charms, you will gain the same level of domain effects as if I were maintaining them myself–those are decline and recovery, respectively.

Not to brag, but any enemy that faces my two big domains must be wary.”

The Yellow Jade Dragon explained:

“When you’re operating outside of the material world, domains are of utmost importance. They can at least neutralize some of the enemy’s home-field advantage, giving you a higher priority in battle judgments.”

“Activate your domains before engaging in battle, the more, the better. Remember, this is a very important concept.”

Matthew nodded in appreciation.

He had known this before, but his understanding wasn’t deep.

After all, the circumstances were somewhat better in the astral world or the Secondary Planes. As an outsider, even if Matthew faced some suppression by the home-field laws, the effect wouldn’t be too severe.

But purgatory was different.

His journey this time had imparted deep insights, with varying degrees of home-field suppression wherever he went–

The Blood River Will was just a small part of it.

The mountains, rivers, and lands here, every inch of space, harbored great hostility towards outsiders.

Perhaps this was due to the overarching consciousness of purgatory being xenophobic.

Regardless,

Clayde’s reminder was worth heeding.

After expressing his gratitude, Matthew then turned his attention to the last Dragon Scale Talisman.

This scale was unique; it felt extremely soft to the touch yet was incredibly tough.

Probing it with a knife, Matthew found its durability was no less than those of the firmer scales.

“This is the scale of the Myriad Transformation Divine Dragon.”

Clayde said proudly:

“Not just anyone can get their hands on such fine goods.”

“The Myriad Transformation Divine Dragon is an extremely special and rare branch of the dragon race from the Eastern Continent. They possess an ability to transform into anything and mimic it to the point where it’s almost indistinguishable from the original, perhaps even surpassing the Thousand Transformer!”

“This scale is a carefully crafted artifact. Once you stimulate it with mana, you’ll briefly take on the appearance of Barthor and possess a slight essence of the Lord of the Nine Hells…”

“Although you won’t really become Barthor, believe me, the more powerful the demon you face, the more deferential they will be after your transformation–

it’s in their nature.

They dislike taking risks, are utterly deceitful, skilled at performing, and prefer circuitous tactics.

Glacia is among the best of the demons.

I hope this Dragon Scale Talisman will be of some help to you.”

Matthew was deeply moved.

He understood the value of the talisman very well.

At this critical juncture, he didn’t stand on ceremony with Clayde but bowed deeply and sincerely said:

“Thank you, Clayde, I owe you a favor.”

The Yellow Jade Dragon waved a hand dismissively:

“Don’t mention it.”

“I would also love to see that woman put in her place; I hope you can achieve your goal.”

With that,

he seemed ready to leave–

Clayde had used his spells to observe a significant change on the main battlefield. If he was interested in Beckman’s Grave, now was the time to act.

Simultaneously,

they noticed that the demons and Air Element lords, originally fiercely fighting on numerous smaller battlefields, had suddenly and swiftly separated.

It looked as though they had received an important signal and no longer wished to engage; instead, they retreated back to their respective camps.