However, contrary to expectations, no decaying corpses appeared.

The graveyard was devoid of anything but the skeletal warrior moving back and forth.

Could it be that after such a long time, the spirits within the coffins have all rotted away? The wild undead are insufficient.

The preservation has not been executed properly.

"All right, come forth," Fonghao commanded.

The skeletal warrior swaggered back into view, returning to its original position.

Black sword, proceed.

The gray bear and your companions will follow closely behind.

Fongghao ordered.

Yes, my lord.

The two responded with a nod.

The skeletal soldiers began to align themselves into an orderly formation and stepped directly into the cemetery.

No danger emerged, and Fongo convinced gathering personnel to collect the shadow stones along the way.

This area possessed a considerable number of shadow stones, precisely what he required.

The procession advanced unimpeded towards the ancient castle.

If no enemies lurked outside, it was highly probable they resided within the castle.

Suddenly, a cacophony of chaotic movement erupted from within the castle.

In the next moment, figures burst forth from the castle's grand entrance and upper windows, leaping into the ranks and brandishing elongated claws in a fierce assault.

Ghoul fifth tier.

The troops were instantly engulfed in a fray, and Fong how discerned the attributes of the emerging monsters.

Ghouls bore a striking resemblance to humans, their skin a sickly blue hue, with pointed ears and sharp fangs.

Their tongues long and forked.

They stood nearly as tall as skeletal trolls, with arms extending past their knees, and their hands were remarkably large, adorned with sharp, elongated nails.

Such lengthy claws reminded Fong How of Wolverine.

Chapter 343.

The unsightly monster and multitude of ghouls leapt from the second and third floors of the ancient castle, plunging directly into the rear of the formation.

Their formidable hands and razor-sharp claws served as their weapons, brandishing them menacingly towards their adversaries while emitting hells akin to wild beasts.

Despite the ghouls breaching the ranks, they still confronted melee units of the undead.

Ranged archers and sorcerers maintained a safe distance from the fry.

Gray Bear, take your men to protect the archers and mages.

Black sword bellowed, cleaving through a ghoul's hand with his blade as he directed his command.

Although many of Gray Bear's subordinates had attained levels three and four.

Their combat style remained reminiscent of mountain bandits.

While fierce, their effectiveness in battle pad in comparison to that of the skeletal soldiers.

As the ghouls began their assault on the range fighters at the back, Gray Bear promptly issued commands to safeguard the rear.

Without hesitation, he shouted, "Block these monsters.

" The bandits formed a human wall in front of the ranged units, impeding the advancing ghouls.

Emerging from the castle, no more than 20 ghouls charged forth, a manageable number.

Bang! Blacksword shield struck a leaping ghoul from the air, sending its body crashing to the ground.

He swiftly thrust his sword down, piercing through the creature.

Yet, even impaled, the ghoul continued to writhe, its claws scraping against black swords iron armor, creating sparks.

With a swift motion, he severed the ghoul's head.

In its struggling form, gradually succumbed to weakness.

Unfazed, Black Sword moved to dispatch another ghoul, while the deceased ghoul was quickly descended upon by its kin, who eagerly feasted upon its remains.

Fonggho, feeling a wave of nausea, urged Black Sword, "Hasten! We cannot allow them to consume the corpses.

They will recover their strength.

" Nodding in agreement, Black Sword spurred the skeletal soldiers to intensify their assault.

As a number of ghouls dwindled rapidly, Gray Bear and his men shifted from mere defense to an offensive strategy.

Millie, her face flushed, fought alongside Gray Bear, encircling a solitary ghoul.

Standing only at the waist of the towering blue skinned monster, she was determined to bring it down.

Swish.

The ghoul's claws screeched against the armor, sending Millie flying 2 m away, where she staggered to her feet, wiping the dirt from her face, her expression growing increasingly grave.

With renewed resolve, she dashed back towards Gray Bear, rejoining the fray.

Aim for its vital points.

This creature possesses a remarkable regenerative ability, Gray Bear advised.

Vital points? Millie queried, gazing up at the imposing figure of the ghoul before her.

A sword lunged directly into the very center of the ghoul's rear.

With a satisfying plunge, it met with little resistance, embedding itself deeply.

A howl of anguish erupted from the ghoul as it pivoted, swiping with a claw, sending Millie hurtling backward, rolling a considerable distance away.

Even the sword she wielded remained lodged within the ghoul's form.

Thus, the battle concluded.

Fonggho commenced directing the cleanup of the battlefield.

It appeared that the ghoul did not belong to the realm of the undead.

Upon its demise, the body did not disintegrate, but remained intact.

However, several corpses have been partially devoured by other ghouls, rendering reconstruction difficult.

Yet, the challenge of reconstruction pad in comparison to the primary objective of unlocking new troop types.

The team took a brief respit as casualties emerged from the mountain bandits.

The gray bear was orchestrating the collection of fallen comrades remains.

"How are you?" Fongo inquired, glancing at the silent Millie.

She appeared somewhat disheveled, her face smeared with mud, and her metallic armor bore several prominent scratches on the chest plate.

"I'm fine," Millie replied tursly, having emerged from the clutches of the slave trader.

She had witnessed death in a manner no less profound than anyone else.

"Very well," Fong Hao nodded and continued addressing the black sword.

"Organized personnel to enter the ancient castle.

Gay Bear, arrange for guards outside.

Notify us of any issues.

" Yes, my lord," they responded in unison.

The skeletal soldiers began to enter the stone fortress.

Inside, the atmosphere was dim with temple carvings adorning the walls, decayed tables and chairs strewn about, and tarnished metal chandeliers that had long since fallen.

Despite the rot of all wooden furnishings, the layout suggested that this place resembled the chapel with neatly arranged pews and a pulpit at the forefront.

Ascend with caution, Fong Ho whispered to one of the skeletal soldiers.

The first floor yielded no dangers, and the group proceeded to the second floor.

Numerous rooms awaited them on the second floor.

Several resembling dormitories with recognizable decayed single wooden beds.

The dimensions of these beds corroborated the tale of the monkey.

This place had once been an orphanage, primarily inhabited by children.

Ascending to the third floor led them to the quarters of the teaching staff.

Little remained, say for a few rusted metal artifacts that could be salvaged.

My lord, there are no enemies, the blacksword reported after inspecting each room.

No enemies or treasure? How is this possible? Fong mused.

While the absence of foes could be rationalized, the lack of treasure was utterly unfathomable.

Remove everything that can be taken and conduct a thorough search, he commanded.

Understood.

The skeletal soldiers commenced their task, transporting every item from the stone fortress.

Fong Hao positioned himself by a first floor window, observing the comingings and goings of the skeletal soldiers.

Pondering what crucial detail might have been overlooked, and why no treasure could be found.

Crack! Suddenly, a crisp sound resonated ahead, Fongo looked up to see two skeletons dismantling the lecture table and steps.

As the table was moved, a square stone slab below began to rise slowly.

With the ascent of the slab, a gaping hole opened in the ground above the platform.

Fong Hao's heart swelled with joy.