Chapter 591 Chapter564-Everyone Knows Nothing
After passing through the bronze door, John placed a powerful sealing spell on it, drawing upon the power of the Book of the Astral Realm to create the seal.
This meant that even if the Mystery Saint himself were to come, breaking the seal quickly would be challenging.
Hammer, standing beside John, looked on with curiosity at his actions.
"What's going on? Did you encounter a particularly dangerous entity? If there wasn't any danger, there'd be no need to cast such a powerful seal. Even though I'm not sure about the specifics of the sealing spell you used, I can tell it's definitely not weak."
John didn't respond to Hammer's question but fixed his gaze on him instead.
He felt that Hammer, as an important figure in Southern Harbor, should be aware of the Mystery creature within the seal.
"Do you really have no idea what's down there? Are you truly unaware of the source of the curse that has plagued Southern Harbor for so long?"
With a grave expression on his face as he posed these questions, John underscored their significance, making Hammer realize their importance.
Consequently, Hammer's usual smile faded, replaced by a serious demeanor as he responded earnestly, "I only know that the curse plaguing our Southern Harbor originates from beneath the ground. However, I'm not clear on what lies beneath since the Sage has forbidden us from venturing down there.
Since I've never been beyond the bronze door underground, I naturally have no knowledge of what kind of creature might be lurking behind it. Have you discovered what resides beyond the bronze door? If possible, could you share that information with me?"
Hammer's tone seemed sincere, not indicative of deceit.
After probing Hammer a bit more, John nodded and relaxed his expression, suggesting a degree of satisfaction or relief with the exchange.
"I did encounter some unusual phenomena beyond the bronze door. However, I'm not in a position to share my findings with you directly, as I'm uncertain if you're authorized to know. After all, the original seal was placed by Ocean Sage. Although I've set a new seal, it's merely a precaution to ensure the integrity of the original seal established by Ocean Sage."
After stating this, John continued towards the surface of Southern Harbor, disregarding Hammer's possible inquiries.
Hammer didn't press further, aware of the dangers associated with the seal beneath Southern Harbor. It seemed most prudent for John to first report his findings to Ocean Sage.
Once John and Hammer reached the surface, they promptly met with Ocean Sage.
After Hammer departed, John recounted the events that transpired to Ocean Sage.
Ocean Sage appeared perplexed after hearing John's account, finding it hard to believe that the Sacred Relic within the seal was the Mystery Eye Gemstone.
"Are you certain that the Sacred Relic within the seal is the Mystery Eye Gemstone? When I placed the seal, I only detected a powerful Mystery force. Perhaps the Mystery Eye Gemstone formed naturally after I sealed away the Mystery power. Regardless, your acquisition of the Mystery Eye Gemstone is acceptable to me, and I feel I must express my gratitude. Now that you are the master of the Mystery Eye Gemstone, Southern Harbor no longer faces the curse of Mystery power. We can now focus on defending against our enemies without that looming threat."
John was taken aback that even Ocean Sage was unaware of the Mystery Eye Gemstone's existence.
While Ocean Sage's speculation might have some merit, John, being the cautious person he is, was not ready to accept it at face value.
After pondering for a moment, John asked Ocean Sage, "Is it possible that the existence of the Mystery Eye Gemstone is a trap? That it intentionally appeared here to make me its master, so that the Mystery Saint could gradually erode me through its power? If he could successfully possess me in this manner, we might be unable to stop his resurrection."
John's conjecture visibly tensed Ocean Sage.
If John's suspicion were accurate, the crisis facing the Order Faction could be alarmingly severe.
However, after some deep contemplation, Ocean Sage felt that such a possibility was highly unlikely.
"If the Mystery Saint truly intended to do so, we would still have other countermeasures.
Moreover, the risk involved in such an action by the Mystery Saint would be too great.
It's unlikely that the Mystery Eye Gemstone is related to the Mystery Saint.
Although the Mystery Saint embodies Mystery power itself, not all Mystery powers are under his control.
Aren't those Mystery monsters formed from Mystery powers that aren't controlled by the Mystery Saint?
The Mystery Eye Gemstone could provide us assistance and also be used against the Mystery Saint.
After all, the Mystery Eye Gemstone should be immune to other Mystery spells.
With the Mystery Eye Gemstone in your possession, you can ensure that you won't be severely harmed by the Mystery Saint's spells in battle."
After saying this, Ocean Sage was seized by a fit of severe coughing.
John could see that the sage's physical condition was indeed very poor.
He felt it might not be appropriate to trouble Ocean Sage further.
"Focus on your recovery for now. You won't need to join me in the upcoming actions. The Order Faction still requires several top-tier warriors to remain around Storm City. While we venture into the Dark Realm, you can ensure the safety of Storm City and Southern Harbor. As for the Naga tribe, you needn't worry.
There will certainly be some strong warriors remaining in the Naga tribe. I even believe that the Naga Queen won't join us in our expedition, as she doesn't fully trust me yet."
Although the misunderstanding between John and the Naga Queen had been resolved, the trust between them hadn't fully recovered.
John wasn't keen on having the Naga Queen accompany him to the Dark Realm; he preferred the company of Shatras, the Legend Magus from the Naga tribe, with whom he had collaborated several times before.
They had a good understanding of each other's skills and combat styles.
Ocean Sage, of course, was unaware of these details.
He only knew that he might not even be able to ensure the safety of Storm City and Southern Harbor in the future.
"I have something very important to tell you, and you mustn't disclose it to anyone else. The others are unaware of this matter, and revealing it would surely cause panic," Ocean Sage said with difficulty, causing John's expression to darken as he began to suspect the gravity of the revelation.
"Not only have I been tainted by Mystery power, but in a previous battle, I was also gravely wounded by the generals of the Dark Faction. I'm afraid I'm no longer capable of continuing the fight. My power is rapidly waning, and soon I will be completely extinguished. All I can do with the little time I have left is to reinforce the defensive spells around Southern Harbor.
I don't want the others to know about my current state, as it would put Southern Harbor at even greater risk. Furthermore, I hope you can provide assistance to Southern Harbor after I'm gone. You might even consider using this place as your base, given the abundant resources Southern Harbor possesses. These resources could be of great value to adventurers like you."
Faced with Ocean Sage's words, John felt a mix of sadness and acceptance, seeing no issue with the sage's proposal.
Southern Harbor indeed presented an ideal base for John, and gaining control over it would allow him to bring SkyStars there.
Given that SkyStars' current location wasn't far from Southern Harbor, they could significantly aid in maintaining control over the area.
Furthermore, Emma could also move to Southern Harbor, a consideration of paramount importance to John, who was deeply concerned for her safety.
Staying in Storm City wouldn't guarantee her safety.
"There's no problem at all; I will help you keep this secret! And should you truly find yourself in dire straits, I can continue to protect Southern Harbor!" John assured.
Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on free(w)ebnov(e)l.𝒄𝒐𝙢