The Sel Wilderness remained as scorching hot as ever.
The glow of the setting sun was still like molten iron, pouring down from the cracks in the clouds, dyeing the entire wilderness a rusty red, and in the distance, the horizon seemed to be burning, exuding twisted heat waves in the twilight.
Carmel Black Oil Field.
The rumbling of alchemical engines was incessant.
Pumpjacks with steel frames stood on the horizon at regular intervals, densely packed like countless devout pilgrims, rhythmically pounding the earth to pump vast amounts of black oil to the surface.
A military force armed with exquisite alchemical equipment was stationed to guard nearby.
Battle-type alchemical golems known as [Steel Guards], each towering over ten meters high, moved with heavy steps. Fully armed human soldiers followed and cooperated, always vigilant and alert to any movement around them.
Within tens of kilometers around the oil field, there were no powerful magical creatures.
—All had been cleared out in advance.
On the ground, there were alchemical golems like Steel Guards and human soldiers patrolling on alert, and besides these, there were several Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbows set up around the oil field, each crossbow arrow several meters long, inscribed with alchemical runes, specifically used to deter and deal with flying magical creatures and beasts.
"Truly heavily guarded."
Galos hid within the high-altitude clouds, gazing from afar.
On his hunting route, he passed by this oil field and, after a brief deliberation, decided to watch from a distance, hoping to find some slight flaw.
The Red Iron Young Dragon hovered, squinting its eyes to look far into the distance.
Due to the distance, the alchemical creations appeared tiny in Galos's eyes, and the humans moving around looked like ants.
But he felt no contempt.
His gaze swept over the Steel Guards and those Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbows set around, which instinctively made him feel extremely dangerous, prompting Galos to silently ascend to a higher flight altitude.
"The ground and sky are so strictly defended, there's no chance of getting close at all."
"However, it seems possible to find a loophole underground."
Galos observed the layout of the oil field, pondering thoughtfully.
The defensive works of the Carmel Black Oil Field were mainly concentrated on the surface, with heavy vigilance against ground and sky, but on the surface, the underground defenses appeared somewhat weak.
"Better not, there's no shortage of underground-dwelling creatures like Rock-Breaking Worms in the wilderness. Just because I can't see them with the naked eye doesn't mean they're not here."
Galos considered secretly, planning to subdue some creatures capable of traversing earth like the Rock-Breaking Worms and then send them to probe the area.
As for direct frontal assault,
The Iron Dragon Lady would have to bypass such places as well, and now Galos dared only to watch from a distance, needing thorough consideration before approaching, staying far away.
Even so,
Galos, hidden within the high distant clouds, was still discovered.
Crack, crack, crack!
In the northeast, a Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbow slowly lifted, adjusting its angle.
The arrow mounted atop it, rather than an arrow, resembled a spear, with a sharp, long, and thick tip, the entire length densely engraved with alchemical runes.
Runes lit up one after another.
Then quietly, almost imperceptibly, there was a slight whoosh.
The Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbow fired a crossbow arrow, piercing through clouds and towards Galos.
Its speed was extreme, yet it made no sound of tearing through the air, no sharp whistle of air being ripped; it was not easy to detect, silent as it was fast as lightning, dangerous and deadly.
However,
While observing the layout of the black oil field, Galos continuously maintained the highest level of vigilance in his heart.
He noticed the Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbow adjusting its angle.
"The attack range is quite far."
Galos clicked his tongue, timely adjusting his body to evade the approaching heavy crossbow attack.
Looking back,
The spot where Galos had been, the cloud layer was punctured with a huge hole.
The power of the heavy crossbow was evident.
If Samantha had come here for the first time and encountered an attack from the heavy crossbow,
She would surely be dead.
The alchemy arrows fired by the Goblin Wolf Riders back then were not on the same level; even with Galos's physique, getting hit would not have been pleasant.
Having been discovered, he tore through the dense clouds with his wings like guillotines, decisively fleeing from this place to avoid further attacks.
The Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbow, having loaded a new bolt, fell silent.
It did not continue to attack the young dragon out of its attack range.
"Seems like a dragon."
"Such a quick reaction, but pity it couldn't bring it down."
The human soldiers guarding beneath the Sky-Hunting Heavy Crossbow blinked, thinking regretfully.
The black oil field here was still brimming with reserves, not only from a long natural accumulation but also from many magical creatures and beasts killed and thrown into it by the garrison.
"Places where the Lothern Federation is stationed are still too dangerous. I shouldn't have approached places like this. I was a bit reckless this time."
"Even if I want to scout, I should have my followers do it, rather than risk myself."
After receiving an unexpected attack, Galos summarized the lesson from this incident, contemplating in his mind.
He thought the distance he had maintained was already far enough, yet he still underestimated the power of alchemical creations. Luckily, he never let down his guard.
Directly obtaining black oil from the oil field was nearly impossible for Galos at this time.
Having tasted the powerful essence of black oil, especially its significant boost to his adaptability, Galos couldn't get it out of his mind.
Unfortunately, he was too weak now.
There was a vast amount of black oil resources right here, but apart from casting a longing glance, there was no good solution, only a slight opportunity to sneak oil from underground, but he currently had no burrowing followers to carry out the task.
Not long after, Galos returned to the Iron Pine Hills.
"My dear brother!"
As soon as he landed among the Iron Fir Forest, Galos heard Samantha's call.
"What's up?"
He looked towards the fiery red young dragon and asked.
Samantha pranced over, lifting her chin slightly, speaking in a proud tone: "I have grasped the true essence of alchemy! The great Alchemy Dragon King has taken its first step towards conquering the world."
It had been about three months since Samantha started learning alchemy.
The so-called understanding of the true essence of alchemy she mentioned was actually just the beginning.
But it was already impressive.
For ordinary people, even years of accumulation and intense study might not necessarily lead to an entry point. For an apex magical creature like the Dragon Race, talents in every aspect were not lacking.
The Red Young Dragon stared unblinkingly at Galos, as if waiting for something.
Its eyes were so eager for praise that Galos could practically feel it, so he said with a slight smile: "Oh, that is indeed great news, congratulations."
Since Galos had rescued this Red Dragon Sister,
And pointed her in the right direction,
The arrogance and pride of the Red Dragon Sister had seldom emerged in front of Galos. Instead, she had shown much more respect towards him.
"Can you refine black oil now?"
Galos asked.
Samantha's expression froze, and she shook her head, her tone weakened slightly.
"Not yet."
Galos continued to ask: "Then how about crafting alchemy tools?"
"Also, also not possible."