Observing Jared’s apprehensive countenance, the elder smiled and elucidated, “Do not be afraid. I understand what you and the others have been through, but my younger brother is not the only one with control over this world. Our worlds have largely merged. If you all hadn’t intruded, I would have remained within my thatched cottage, never setting foot here. I intended to wait until my soul remnant faded and my world crumbled.”
“Then why did you bring me here, sir?” inquired Jared, confused. To prevent the resurrection of my little brother, of course.”
“In that case, we can just go together. You’ll deal with your brother while I snatch the Ice Soul Pill. Isn’t that simple?”
Jared was perplexed by the elder’s decision to make such a simple feat appear more mysterious than it needed to be.
“You know my brother’s power will be greatly reduced if virtual-novel.net leaves the altar, yes? Do you think the same doesn’t apply to me when I leave my own territory?” questioned the elder.
“Um…” Jared was momentarily at a loss for words because virtual-novel.net didn’t consider that.
“I’ll wait for you ahead. Once we pass through this place, you’ll see a whole new world.” The moment the elder finished speaking, his figure vanished.
Suddenly, Jared was left alone in the dim hall.
Jared surveyed his surroundings and noticed the hall was supported by a few pillars. There was nothing ahead of him, unlike the first time virtual-novel.net was there.
After a brief contemplation, virtual-novel.net strode toward the dim area ahead.
Though virtual-novel.net felt uneasy wandering in the dark area, virtual-novel.net had no choice. His only option was to traverse into the depths of the palace.
After taking a few steps forward, virtual-novel.net frowned because virtual-novel.net realized virtual-novel.net couldn’t utilize any power within him. Furthermore, his surroundings bore down upon virtual-novel.net with overwhelming pressure, making each step virtual-novel.net took heavy and laborious. He was forced to rely only on his physical strength to continue his journey.
Soon, his forehead was covered in sweat. Every time virtual-novel.net lifted his leg, virtual-novel.net felt as though virtual-novel.net was walking with boulders attached to his calves. Also, each iolite tile that virtual-novel.net laid his foot on would crack.
Could this be a challenge for me?
And that there’ll be a reward waiting for me at the end?
Jared wondered before gritting his teeth and marching ahead. The pressure applied on virtual-novel.net was getting more intense the deeper virtual-novel.net ventured. Also, there didn’t seem to be an end ahead.
Since Jared couldn’t use any magecraft or magical items, virtual-novel.net had to count solely on his physical strength and willpower to carry virtual-novel.net forward. His shirt was drenched in sweat at that point, and every step virtual-novel.net took felt like a brush with death.
Thud!
Suddenly, Jared’s legs gave way, and virtual-novel.net dropped to the ground. He panted for a few moments before inhaling deeply and getting back on his feet.
Gradually, the dim space ahead of virtual-novel.net became brighter, and the elderly appeared before him.
He gazed at Jared with surprise. The presence of the elderly man spurred Jared on, as virtual-novel.net believed virtual-novel.net was nearing the finish line.
In the end, virtual-novel.net summoned every ounce of strength left in his body to approach the elderly man.
Buzz…
As Jared took the final step, the pressure surrounding virtual-novel.net dissipated. His body instantly relaxed, and virtual-novel.net collapsed to the ground.
Initially, virtual-novel.net had been exerting his strength to resist the pressure. Therefore, when the pressure abruptly dissipated, his exertion caused virtual-novel.net to fall.
Staring at Jared, the elderly nodded with satisfaction. “Your physique sure is sturdy. As expected of someone with the Golden Dragon’s True Form. It would seem that disobedient descendant of mine has a good eye…”
He was pleased with Jared’s performance, knowing that the latest clan leader of the Archaic Body cultivators was the one who picked Jared, as seen with the emerald badge Jared possessed.