"Holy crap! Since when did the River of Styx Sanctuary become so bold?"
Black Abyss’s words were like a bomb dropping in the middle of the crowd, causing even the spectators who were simply there to observe to shift uneasily. Many people began to reassess Black Abyss’s position within the River of Styx Sanctuary.
Originally, Black Abyss had been regarded as a talented figure in the River of Styx Sanctuary, having reached the Imperial Realm before the age of a thousand—a rare feat in the Underworld. However, due to his humble origins, he had never been given significant responsibilities within the sanctuary and often worked as a ferryman to the Lower Realms, holding a position with little real power.
It wasn’t until he brought Zhe Liang to the Upper Realm, helping establish him as a Holy Son in the River of Styx Sanctuary, that Black Abyss began to gain some influence. Even so, the onlookers found it hard to believe that Black Abyss would dare openly declare war on the Dark Palace.
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"Black Abyss! Do you realize how many Imperial Realm experts the River of Styx Sanctuary has compared to the Dark Palace? They have twice as many as you, not to mention surviving Divine Realm experts. The River of Styx Sanctuary cannot possibly win!"
At this moment, a freelance cultivator who was friendly with Black Abyss hurried over to the River of Styx Sanctuary’s position, his face filled with anxiety, clearly hoping to persuade Black Abyss to retract his statement.
"It’s too late! The River of Styx Sanctuary has declared war... We, the Dark Palace, accept. Let’s fight then!"
The elders of the Dark Palace stepped forward, releasing the oppressive aura of Imperial Realm experts. Five Imperial Realm experts stood ready, the strongest among them at the third tier of the Imperial Realm, the Empire Specter stage. The rest of the Dark Palace disciples also summoned their artifacts, casting a dark, eerie glow over the entire area.
"This looks like a real fight is about to break out!"
"With two top-tier forces clashing, the entire Underworld is going to be in chaos!"
"The future is uncertain, but right now, the Dark Palace has five Imperial Realm elders, while the River of Styx Sanctuary only has three. Even the strongest, Black Abyss, is only at the second tier of the Imperial Realm, the Imperial Spirit stage. They’re clearly at a disadvantage."
As the situation seemed on the verge of exploding, many of the observing cultivators quietly retreated, not daring to get any closer. When Imperial Realm experts fought, those below the Imperial Realm were wise to stay as far away as possible.
"This conflict between the River of Styx Sanctuary and the Dark Palace is inevitable. It has nothing to do with you all, so leave quickly."
Black Abyss looked at the freelance cultivator who had tried to advise him and urged him to leave. His demeanor had returned to its usual serious and composed nature. He focused his energy on the strongest Dark Palace elder present. Among those there, he was the only one who could barely manage to hold him off.
As long as he could keep the strongest elder occupied, there was a chance for the River of Styx Sanctuary’s people to retreat. He was already considering which secret techniques to use to delay the Dark Palace’s forces, even if it meant sacrificing himself to allow the River of Styx Sanctuary and Zhe Liang’s group to escape.
Black Abyss believed that even if he were to die, establishing this connection would mean that, in respect for Zhe Liang and his companions, the Earthly Realm expert would assist the River of Styx Sanctuary. This time, the Dark Palace was doomed!
"Sigh! After all these years of cultivation, I barely made it to the Imperial Realm, thanks largely to your help. The path of the Great Dao is long and arduous; advancing further seems almost impossible for me. Since I can’t seek the Dao, I might as well seek peace of mind!"
Hearing Black Abyss’s words, the freelance cultivator sighed and stepped forward, gently patting Black Abyss on the shoulder.
"Black Abyss, let’s fight side by side one last time! There’s something I’ve wanted to say for a long time! Dark Palace! You bunch of scum! I’ve long despised your ways!"
As he spoke, a powerful aura of the second tier of the Imperial Realm, similar to that of Black Abyss, erupted from him. Though slightly weaker, it was still formidable.
Black Abyss was taken aback by the cultivator’s resolve, feeling a surge of warmth. He too unleashed his full power, resisting the pressure from the Dark Palace.
Five Imperial Realm experts against four!
Although they were still outnumbered, the River of Styx Sanctuary stood their ground, unwavering against the Dark Palace’s pressure.
"Resisting to the end? Overestimating yourselves!"
The strongest elder of the Dark Palace scowled, raising his hand to initiate the battle, intending to capture everyone from the River of Styx Sanctuary. He also aimed to seize Zhe Liang and the Human Clan girl who had also obtained the inheritance. He had read about the Mandala Arena’s inheritance in ancient texts, though its authenticity was uncertain.
The arena’s strange restrictions and dangers had deterred him from exploring it. Now, seeing someone genuinely gain the inheritance, he was tempted. An ancient inheritance could significantly enhance his power. Advancing further in cultivation could justify a war with the River of Styx Sanctuary, earning him support in the temple. Stay updated via freewebnovel
"Attack..."
As the elder waved his hand and murderous intent flared in his eyes, Gu Simu, who was in the process of receiving the inheritance, suddenly opened her eyes. Her golden pupils now had a faint, mysterious glow.
Simultaneously, a majestic, ancient voice echoed above the Mandala Arena, accompanied by a terrifying pressure that stunned all the cultivators present.
"Underworld cultivators... have you fallen so low? I am the spirit of this Arena. These young ones have obtained the inheritance; Underworld cultivators must not trouble them. Otherwise... half of the other shore flowers here will wither, and you will bear the consequences!"
Even the Imperial Realm experts of the Dark Palace found their energy disrupted under this immense pressure. Only the members of the River of Styx Sanctuary remained unaffected, looking around in confusion at the changing expressions of those around them.
"What immense pressure! Is it the Heaven Emperor realm, or... the Divine Realm?"
The Dark Palace elders’ faces changed dramatically. They hadn’t anticipated the involvement of a mysterious, powerful entity. Was it the guardian spirit of the Arena? According to legend, significant inheritance sites often had powerful guardians. No one expected the Mandala Arena, silent for so many years, to indeed house such a formidable spirit.
This confirmed that the Arena’s inheritance was genuinely an ancient and potent one from the Underworld.
In an instant, the thoughts of the various cultivators in the arena shifted. Their gazes flickered as they looked at Zhe Liang and his companions, each contemplating different possibilities.
As the pressure appeared, a swirling vortex of rules manifested above the Arena. From the vortex emerged a golden beast and a puppet carrying a small bookcase. Little Suan Ni and the Mountain Back Puppet immediately positioned themselves in front of Gu Simu, ready to protect her.
"They are... a pure-blooded Suan Ni!"
Someone in the crowd recognized Little Suan Ni, gasping in astonishment.