Deep within the Nether Realm, space was like a pool of solidified ink. A colossal entity sat cross-legged here, its figure hidden within the churning Nether Mist. The mist was dark and viscous, swallowing all light.
Overhead, countless dense black patterns writhed and intertwined like living creatures, gathering to form a half-closed vertical pupil. A terrifying, eerie light seeped through the slit of the eye.
Twisted silhouettes flickered faintly in the distance. The rustling sound of rubbing scales mixed into the mist, making it seem as though the entire space was trembling slightly with the behemoth's breaths.
At a certain mont, Black Buddha opened its eyes. The pair of spectral pupils shone like abyssal Fissures. Thick, python-like black Thunder Light exploded from its body. The crackling thunderous roar tore through the dead silence, piercing the Nether Mist and causing it to violently churn and scatter.
The Nether Realm Creatures prostrating around it pressed their heads firmly against the dark rock formations, not daring to make a single sound.
"Hei Zhao."
Black Buddha's voice was grand and resonant, echoing far into the distance.
The Nether Mist was torn apart by an invisible current as a black-armored giant crashed down from the sky. Its thousand-ter-tall body brought with it a raging gale. Pitch-black armor covered in dark patterns wrapped its form, causing the earth to quake violently upon impact.
He dropped to one knee, the friction of his armor plates ringing out like clashing steel. His head was deeply bowed, and pale gray mist stead from the gaps in his shoulder armor. A rough, gravelly voice burst from his chest, stirring ripples in the Nether Mist, "Father God..."
Before his words could settle, fine beads of blood actually seeped from the gaps in his armor. They dripped onto the pale gray ground with a sizzling sound, evaporating into a sickly sweet white smoke.
Hei Zhao did not dare to move, oblivious as to what had sparked his Father God's fury. Not long ago, when he was beaten and killed by Qing Cang before fleeing back, his Father God had not been angry at all.
However, after waiting for a long ti, Black Buddha neither spoke nor delivered any further punishnt. He cautiously raised his head. "Father God?"
Black Buddha's eyes were a pool of pitch-black stillness, and its voice was utterly cold. "That portion of Mist Embers you sent into the Bronze Sect has been purified.
"
"Purified?" Hei Zhao's heart trembled violently, finding it completely unimaginable. "How is that possible? That was Mist Embers crafted by your own hands. Who could possibly purify it?"
"Was it the Bronze Ancient King?" he speculated.
Black Buddha shook its head, its voice muffled and heavy. "Purification is purification, and destruction is destruction. The two are vastly different."
"Furthermore, that portion of Mist Embers was a catalyst. If it truly were the Bronze Ancient King, he would have likely caused the Mist Embers within the Starfire to boil over. It was definitely not him."
"Not the Bronze Ancient King... Did soone forcibly withstand the erosion of the Mist Embers?" Hei Zhao fell silent.
"Sothing is happening within the Bronze Sect..." Black Buddha said in a chilling tone. "I have coveted that Bronze Starfire for a very long ti..."
Hei Zhao whispered, "Do you want to question that Believer lying dormant near the Bronze Sect?"
He knew of this Believer, who had even promised the Father God to find a way to bring Su Chen out, going so far as to request a drop of Divine Blood.
He had scoffed at this before, but after having been captured shortly after arriving near the Bronze Sect not long ago, he had to admit that the guy actually had so skills. "He is too close to the Starfire, so I cannot sense him." Black Buddha shook its massive head. "I can only wait for him to pray to ."
Within the Bronze Sect, on the Profound Heaven Sect's Floating Island.
"Xiuqi, how do you feel?" Lu Huai asked, looking at Tang Xiuqi, who had just stepped out of the aircraft.
Hearing this, Tang Xiuqi looked thoroughly invigorated and quickly replied, "It's absolutely incredible. If I had to search the Dust Star Sea for a Life Star that t the requirents of my Profession, the chances would be practically zero."
"And if I tried to artificially cultivate such an environnt, the amount of manpower and resources required would be incalculable. Yet, within the Fortune Bronze Core, it only took two or three short months to fulfill the requirents. It is simply unimaginable!"
Lu Huai wasn't surprised by Tang Xiuqi's reaction. He sighed in admiration, "The Fortune Bronze Core has always been the foundation upon which the Bronze Sect established itself. Just like our Profound Heaven Sect's Profound Heaven Instrunt, it is naturally extraordinary."
He had also experienced the power of the Fortune Bronze Core in his youth. It truly deserved to be described as stealing the fortune of the cosmos.
"My Profession requirents are complete. I can advance to the 8th-Tier at any ti." Tang Xiuqi settled his emotions and then learned from Lu Huai about Qin Yun's return.
He hurriedly pressed for details, and after learning the general situation, he could not help but exclaim, "How could he possibly know nothing? Is the Bronze Sect just refusing to speak?"
The subtle conflicts among the higher-ups of the Bronze Sect were unclear even to its middle and lower-tier mbers, let alone outsiders. To onlookers, claiming to know nothing was simply the Bronze Sect making a statent of their stance.
"Who knows..." Lu Huai shook his head.
Tang Xiuqi frowned and asked quietly, "Then should we leave as soon as possible?"
If the Bronze Sect was determined to keep silent, conflicts were bound to break out.
"That won't be necessary." Lu Huai waved his hand dismissively. "The current situation is still unsettled. We have a decent relationship with the Bronze Sect, after all. Leaving in such a rush would make us look far too unsightly."
Tang Xiuqi frowned. "Then what are the Ancient Kings planning to do? If the Bronze Sect is unwilling to disclose the information, will they force an interrogation?"
"Although the Five Great Sects have had their friction in the past, we are still generally united. It wouldn't be appropriate to use ruthless thods," Lu Huai said hesitantly. "Besides, if the Bronze Ancient King is pushed too far, it would cause massive trouble."
Even though the Bronze Ancient King was bound by the Starfire, that was only because he did not want to give up the Starfire. If truly driven to desperation, he might just risk everything on a single throw of the dice.
It was just that... he had faintly heard rumors that the Bronze Ancient King's body had also been affected by the Mist Embers. He didn't know if it was true or not, but if it was, this matter might escalate even further...
"Then there must be so sort of plan for this matter," Tang Xiuqi guessed aloud.
"This issue requires a very delicate touch. We will just have to wait for the Royal Court and the other Ancient Kings to discuss it," Lu Huai replied, shaking his head.
Tang Xiuqi was about to speak when his gaze inadvertently drifted to a tal room to the side. The door pushed open, and a gloomy-faced Liao Yunfan walked out.
"Martial Uncle Tang? You're out?" He was slightly surprised and offered a greeting.
"Oh, you are already at the 6th-Tier?" Tang Xiuqi asked in surprise.
Liao Yunfan nodded. "I completed the requirents right after coming out of the Fortune Bronze Core."
Tang Xiuqi was naturally not the only one who needed to borrow the Fortune Bronze Core; Liao Yunfan was another.
"Then what were you doing..." Tang Xiuqi asked.
"I was trying to challenge the 6th-Tier Professionals on the Holy List," Liao Yunfan explained.
"Oh? And how was your ranking?" Tang Xiuqi asked, a hint of curiosity sparking within him.
His expression turned rather ugly. "I barely squeezed into the top 150."
"That is already quite good, considering you just advanced to the 6th-Tier," Tang Xiuqi nodded encouragingly.
Liao Yunfan pursed his lips and didn't respond. After a brief rest, he turned and re-entered the challenge room.
"This thod of challenging others is truly blessed by nature. It serves to hone one's skills while also reducing grudges among Sect mbers."
Tang Xiuqi couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Their Sect also had a ranking system similar to the Holy List, but this specific challenge format was unique to the Bronze Sect, functioning as a derivative ability of the Fortune Bronze Core.
Their own Sect's simulation system couldn't accurately capture and perfectly replicate a Professional's abilities. This caused massive fluctuations in battle results, making it difficult to use as a reliable asuring standard.
"Indeed." Lu Huai deeply agreed. Rankings directly dictated resource distribution.
In other Sects, conflicts over challenges frequently caused strained relationships or even turned people into mortal enemies. However, within the Bronze Sect, such situations were drastically reduced.
As the two conversed, Lu Huai's heart stirred. He suddenly summoned the Profound Heaven Instrunt. Amidst flickering streams of light, a figure was tossed out from within. It was Ming Lin.
His expression was blank, as if he had just awoken in another lifeti. It took him a long while to regain his senses, and he hastily bowed. "Lord Lu Huai!"
Lu Huai's eyes flashed slightly, and a crimson light intertwined across Ming Lin's body.
"Dual Scarlet Talent. Your luck is quite good." Lu Huai was rather surprised.
"Dual Scarlet?" Ming Lin paused, unable to suppress his inner excitent. "Thank you for the trouble, senior."
Ming Lin quickly bowed in respect, glanced at Tang Xiuqi, and then hurried away.
"Why would they send a guy with such low Talent?" Tang Xiuqi asked, staring at Ming Lin's retreating back.
Lu Huai paid it no mind. "He seems to be Su Chen's subordinate."
Tang Xiuqi suddenly understood.
Inside the Training Room, Su Chen exhaled a breath of turbid air and glanced at his System Panel. His Professional Developnt progress had increased by one percent, now sitting at 4
1%.
"One percent in a single day..." Su Chen muttered, clicking his tongue in amazent. As his Professional Tier increased, his developnt speed was actually getting faster. This was all thanks to the enhancent of his Talent and the steady supply of resources.
"These potions from the Sacred Cauldron Cult are truly extraordinary. With the help of this Crimson Sun Potion, my developnt progress will hit fifty percent in just another eight or nine days."
The dicinal efficacy of the Crimson Sun Potion was fierce, and he couldn't bear to waste even a single drop of it. It was already the second day since Wei Zhenghong's visit, and approaching the Dark Sun Period, its potency was only now nearly exhausted.
Su Chen licked his lips. It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury back to frugality. After tasting the Crimson Sun Potion, he figured he would have a hard ti readjusting if he had to drink ordinary Auxiliary Potions again.
"But they only supply these to the top fifty..." Su Chen muttered, uncertain of how his strength truly stacked up against the top 6th-Tier Professionals on the Holy List.
"Still, squeezing into the top fifty shouldn't be a major issue, right?"
His advantage lay in possessing far more Special Professions than anyone else, but this edge would inevitably be diluted by massive age gaps.
A thirty-year-old 6th-Tier and a forty-year-old 6th-Tier would inherently have a different number of acquired Special Professions, not to ntion he would also be fighting opponents above his current tier.
Before, it really was hard to say whether he could make it into the top fifty. But now, with the Weapon Lord class in his arsenal, he was quite confident.
As for the Top Ranker spot...
As he pondered, Su Chen stepped into the Nether Tower and entered the Nether Realm. He was already highly familiar with the route, so he first went to find Xiao Hei and then had a chat with the Centipede Dragon.
Having beco a frequent visitor here, the Centipede Dragon had also grown quite interested in this rather peculiar Evil God Cultist, and the two had already established a foundation of trust.
Waiting until the Starfire reignited, Su Chen headed to the boundary zone and tentatively began praying to Black Buddha.
Almost the instant the connection was established, black mist seeped out from the vertical pupil mark on the ground, swirling around the area.
Before he could even speak, Black Buddha's voice echoed from within: "I have waited for you for a very long ti."
Su Chen's heart stirred, and he hurriedly replied, "The Bronze Sect has been investigating too strictly lately. I simply haven't had the chance to report to you."
"I am aware." Black Buddha asked, "How is the plan regarding Su Chen progressing?"
Su Chen kept his head lowered and answered, "It is proceeding smoothly. With the help of that higher-up in the Sect, I have already established ties with a few people close to Su Chen. They do not know my identity yet. I will lead them step by step into utter corruption."
"I have handed the Divine Blood over to him, but he shouldn't dare to use it in the short term." Su Chen covered his tracks seamlessly, even having a na prepared in advance. However, Black Buddha didn't probe any further. Instead, its tone carried a hint of praise. "You have done very well. Proceeding step by step is exactly how it should be done; there is no need to rush."
Shifting the subject, Black Buddha then asked, "Has anything unusual occurred within the Bronze Sect recently?"
'Unusual occurrences?' Su Chen thought to himself, though outwardly he maintained a respectful deanor. "Please enlighten , my Lord. What kind of situation are you referring to?"
This wasn't his first ti dealing with an Evil God. Based on their absolute trust in their Believers, if there was sothing he didn't understand about their tasks, he could just ask directly, and they would tell him whatever they could.
"Are you aware of the Divine Son's death?" Black Buddha pondered for a mont before asking.
Su Chen imdiately responded, "The mont the news spread, I attempted to investigate, and I did indeed gain so findings."
"This matter was spearheaded by Qing Cang. He had been keeping a close eye on Fan Zhao, and upon noticing his unusual movents, followed him to the Azure Star."
These details were entirely impossible for Black Buddha to verify, but the entity had little interest in them anyway.
It imdiately followed up with another question: "Do you know how they handled the items they looted from the Divine Son?"
"The looted items?" Su Chen's heart skipped a beat.
Black Buddha's question sparked a faint realization in his mind. 'Could it be the Mist Embers? Has Black Buddha sohow sensed that I purified the Mist Embers?'
"I do not know." He shook his head. "That involves the inner workings of the Sect's deepest echelons."
"I am giving you a task. You can put the matters regarding Su Chen on hold for now. Among the items the Divine Son carried, there is one of utmost importance. You must find a way to track down its whereabouts."
The black mist swirling before his eyes morphed—sure enough, it took on the appearance of the Mist Embers.
'It really is because of this thing!'
Su Chen felt a slight shock in his heart. Black Buddha's level of concern over this matter far exceeded his expectations.
'But, you want to investigate myself?'
"Understood," Su Chen first accepted the order, then feigned a look of intense trepidation, adding, "I will do everything in my power to fulfill your request, but this matter will likely require the full cooperation of that Sect higher-up... I'm afraid..."
Black Buddha's voice was flat. "As long as one is human, they have desires. Whatever he wants, simply promise it to him."
'As expected of an ancient Evil God, speaking with such absolute confidence.'
Su Chen then said with deep reverence, "You truly are omniscient. That man did indeed make a request of before. If I agree to it, he might even attempt to strike at Su Chen directly."
"However, I do not trust him. If you wish to learn of this matter, I'm afraid we will have to agree to his terms."
"What is his request?" Black Buddha asked.
"He wants to help him find a Heart of Spiritual Light."
"A Heart of Spiritual Light?" A faint ripple finally appeared in Black Buddha's voice. "He certainly has the nerve to ask. What is his position within the Sect?"
"Zhou Yunyang," Su Chen spat out the three words, then gave a brief explanation of the man's identity.
"The final bloodline of a Morning Star Tier... he indeed possesses a unique advantage, but his tier is not high. Why does he need a Heart of Spiritual Light?"
"I do not know, but that is his demand." Su Chen shook his head.
Yet after he finished speaking, Black Buddha fell into a deep silence and did not respond.
Su Chen felt faintly disappointed; this Heart of Spiritual Light really was incredibly precious...
But who could have guessed, the mont this thought arose, he heard Black Buddha say, "Agree to it. As long as you figure out where the item I asked you to find ultimately ended up, and provide convincing enough evidence, I can procure a Heart of Spiritual Light for him."
'He actually agreed?'
A sharp glint flickered in Su Chen's eyes. Was the identity of the person who purified the Mist Embers truly that important to Black Buddha?
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