As Celeste and Umbrex pressed forward, they encountered a peculiarly attired group approaching them. Leading the procession was a diminutive, hunched old man, yet he exuded formidable power and commanded respect and awe. With each step, his cane emitted a distinct clack against the ground. Trailing behind him were two rows of male and female priests, bearing ceremonial instruments that faintly hinted at a larger ritual formation.The appearance of the group caused pedestrians to instinctively retreat, creating a path for their passage. Even Celeste and Umbrex couldn't help but furrow their brows and make way. As the procession passed by, the leader's gaze swept over them like lightning, as if attempting to read their minds.In that fleeting moment, it felt as though an eternity had passed. It was only once the procession had completely vanished from view that Celeste and Umbrex snapped back to reality. The penetrating gaze of the old man felt like a distant reverie.“That group is f
"Josiah, how many factions are entangled in this affair?" a dignified voice resonated.Within a chamber, the old man who had crossed paths with Celeste and Umbrex sat in a chair. Before him, a flickering light projected the image of a regal figure—the Empyrean of Scarlet Summit."Empyrean, to my knowledge, there are at least five factions involved," Josiah, the old man, respectfully responded, "Aside from us, there are factions from the immortal realm, other factions, and those responsible for tampering with our faction's artifact."The Empyrean was taken aback. "Oh? Have you identified the perpetrators behind the tampering?"Josiah responded gravely, "Yes, I encountered two individuals on the street whom I had long suspected. They appeared suspicious to me, and upon brushing past them, I detected a faint aura resonating with our faction's artifacts. I dare say it's highly probable that they’re the culprits."Since detecting the tampering of the Abyssal Blaze Sword, Josiah had dil
Outside the gate, Dakota addressed the group, "Esteemed guests, this is the chamber where the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal is safeguarded. Typically, outsiders are not permitted entry here. However, today I will grant you a glimpse."As he spoke, five guards approached, each extracting a substantial iron piece from their persons. Collectively, they assembled these pieces into a key, which they then inserted into the formidable lock. With a decisive turn, the door swung open. The layers of security measures were flawlessly executed.Stepping through the threshold, Adrian and his companions beheld a grand hall even more resplendent than Nautica Hall. Towering statues of deities adorned each corner, emanating a commanding presence that shrouded their identities in mystery.In the center of the hall loomed an even larger statue. The moment Adrian set foot inside, this statue captured his attention, for he sensed an uncanny vitality emanating from it. The statue seemed almost life-like, a s
Josiah quickly bowed. "I am Josiah, an elder of Scarlet Summit. Greetings to the lord of Nautica."Seeing Josiah's respectful demeanor, Dakota appeared pleased. "There's no need for such formalities between us. Please, rise." With a genial smile, Dakota proceeded to introduce Adrian and the rest to Josiah, and Josiah reciprocated the gesture with a smile of his own.However, Adrian couldn't shake off a sense of unease. There was something about Josiah's aura that felt akin to a predatory wolf biding its time for the perfect moment to strike. Beneath the facade of innocence lay a more sinister intent.Amid the group behind Josiah, Adrian noted the presence of several formidable individuals. Their auras were expertly concealed, reminiscent of the assailants who had attempted to ambush Celeste and Umbrex. It was evident that the immortals of Scarlet Summit possessed unique techniques, signaling that they were not to be underestimated.As Dakota engaged Josiah in conversation, Adrian a
The scene was terrifying. Even Adrian and the others, despite their strength, were momentarily taken aback. These ghosts and monsters emerged from the large crates brought by Josiah's entourage, drifting into the hall in clusters. They moved toward the rear of the hall as if poised to enact something. However, to ordinary observers, these apparitions remained unseen, leaving only a discomforting gust of chilling wind in their wake.With their arrival, the righteous aura within Nautica Hall significantly waned, replaced by an ominous and malevolent atmosphere. Gradually, more and more ghosts and monsters materialized. Adrian observed the sky above Nautica Hall darkening steadily. Layers of ominous clouds converged from all directions, while the chilly wind intensified with the growing number of apparitions. It was akin to a supernatural procession unfolding before their eyes.At this moment, Alfie's voice sounded, "This box is a treasure called the Demon's Box. It has divine abilities
The pervasive ghostly aura carried by the demonic parade resembled pollution, tainting the surrounding aura essence and rendering the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal powerless.Upon comprehending Alfie's explanation, Adrian grasped the situation. However, what lay ahead appeared even more daunting. Scarlet Summit's bold display suggested unwavering confidence in seizing the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal. If that were the case, forthcoming events would prove troublesome.Now, Alfie and the rest comprehended the motive behind Scarlet Summit's actions, with Lamar in particular glaring directly at Josiah.At that moment, Josiah and Dakota engaged in casual conversation, appearing as if they were long-lost acquaintances catching up. Josiah intermittently cast mocking glances at the crowd.Internally, Josiah sneered, 'Hmph, I specially borrowed the Demon's Box from the Empyrean. We will seize the Dragonslayer Emerald Seal. What can Nautica do to stop us? With our numbers, do we fear being unable t
During Dakota's introduction of them as part of Nautica, he hadn't specified their exact identities. In fact, even Dakota himself was unaware of the full extent of Adrian and the others' strengths. Notably, Lamar was a formidable expert with immense power, and the likes of Cameron and the rest were equally formidable. With such outstanding individuals present, even someone as formidable as Josiah found the situation somewhat daunting.Just as Adrian intervened to resolve Dakota's crisis, Josiah made his move. With apparent concern, he remarked, "Dakota, you're aging; you must take care of yourself." Simultaneously, he extended a supporting hand toward Dakota.To the casual observer, his actions appeared mundane. However, Adrian sensed a subtle command in Josiah’s gesture. Suddenly, ghosts and malevolent spirits from all directions surged toward Josiah. These layers of malevolent entities resembled a sea of lost souls, seemingly intent on engulfing Adrian.Enraged, Adrian emitted a r
Dakota clearly heard the ominous sound and looked up, but there appeared to be nothing visible. His expression of astonishment had barely faded when a deafening roar echoed through the air. The true form of the entity slowly emerged from the confines of the Demon's Box—a colossal being shrouded in a sinister blood-red hue.The creature had a humanoid form, yet it bore eight eyes upon its face. These eyes lacked pupils, each adorned with unique, intricate trigram patterns. At the center of this arrangement, where a ninth eye might be expected, lay a gaping maw—a monstrous oval filled with rows of razor-sharp teeth, making for a terrifying display. Its body was marred by tattered flesh wounds, from which oozed repulsive pus and blood, transforming into countless maggots that writhed across the ground.The thunderous roar had undoubtedly been heard by Dakota as well. Instantly, his complexion paled, and he nearly crumpled to the ground. The guards, too, collapsed, overwhelmed by the she