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Just as Audrey was thinking this, the door was pushed open, and Daly, whose attire was no longer so enchanting, walked in quickly, looking at Audrey with a solemn expression and saying, "Miss Audrey, please follow me. We might have run into a bit of trouble…"
Before she could finish, she was interrupted by Susie's barking. The two instinctively looked at the golden retriever standing by the French window, baring its teeth at the outside, and then their expressions changed.
Above the undulating deep blue sea, and below the scattered white clouds, a point of blazing white fire shot from far to near, rapidly approaching the airship.
The fiery light grew larger and clearer, eventually revealing its complete form: it was a gigantic flaming spear!
On the uppermost deck of the airship, a deep, tranquil, and profound Darkness emerged. Even at noon, no sunlight could penetrate that Darkness.
In the profound Darkness, the figure of Crestet Cesimir appeared, seemingly supported by an invisible force, suspended in front of the airship.
His dark green eyes were like a moonless lake in the middle of the night, and the collars of his shirt and trench coat stood high, hiding his entire chin in shadow.
Looking at the incoming flaming spear, Crestet Cesimir raised the pure white bone sword in his hand. Layers of symbols and markings emerged from the sword, emitting a pure white, lustrous glow, like a bright moon hanging high in the deep night.
The flaming spear directly scattered and reformed into a human figure.
This figure had a high nose bridge, deep eye sockets, and blue eyes. The Pride that permeated his bones could be felt even by Audrey inside the airship, and she could discern that the man's clothing should belong to Intis.
He scrutinized Crestet Cesimir, who held the bone sword, without the slightest fear, even exuding an Iron and Blood aura. Then, scarlet flames flashed in his eyes as he looked at the airship behind him.
A few seconds later, he dismissively curled his lip, not bothering to explain or perhaps disdaining to, and blazing white flames suddenly surged from his body.
Then, he transformed into a gigantic flaming spear and hurled himself in the direction from which the airship had come, which was the area where Damir Harbor was located.
This flaming spear flew farther and farther, and before long, only a speck of fire remained.
The turn of events was somewhat beyond Audrey's expectations. Seeing the other party's aggressive stance, she had thought she would witness an exciting battle of demigods.
Although she knew this thought was somewhat irresponsible, Audrey couldn't help but feel a little anticipation in her heart. At the same time, she also began to wonder why this Intis demigod had come to Loen's territorial waters.
Daly, on the other hand, was a bit conflicted, unsure whether she should still take this distinguished young lady to the uppermost deck of the airship.
Just then, the undulating deep blue sea suddenly became eerily calm for an instant, immediately followed by the formation of a massive vortex, sweeping up a deep blue, almost black, tsunami.
A terrifying hurricane, visible to the naked eye, swirled and appeared, causing the airship to sway for a while. A large number of bubbles began to emerge from the vortex, and it was vaguely visible that there seemed to be an underwater volcano erupting at the bottom of the vortex.
Crestet Cesimir, who had re-sheathed his pure white bone sword, frowned slightly. He sensed the strong Beyonder fluctuations beneath the tsunami vortex but did not intend to investigate.
This was at sea. Whatever was there was a matter for the Church of the Lord of Storms and the Loen Navy. As long as it wasn't an active provocation like the Intis demigod just now, he wouldn't interfere.
His core mission was to quickly transport the Class 1 Sealed Artifact on the airship to Nikiferus City in West Balam, Southern Continent, and return the Class 1 Sealed Artifact that was about to break its seal there back to the cathedral for re-sealing.
The profound Darkness disappeared, and the airship no longer lingered, rushing into the distance. After a moment, although the sky-high deep blue tsunami gradually subsided, silver-white lightning bolts, branched like tree limbs, still moved across the sea surface.
Deep beneath the sea, the shattered elven ruins completely turned into rubble. The area semi-integrated with the Spirit World disintegrated during the advancement ritual, and the underwater volcano, which had been erupting magma, suddenly caved inward, being forcibly extinguished.
Her originally soft, luminous black hair turned deep blue. Siatas closed her eyes, feeling the surging power within her. A ethereal voice suddenly came from her ear:
"Your advancement is much faster than I imagined. It seems the experience of entering the world within the book has made your will much tougher. This way, you can bear more of my power."
Siatas, now a Sequence 4 Cataclysmic Interrer, was still extremely delighted upon hearing the Queen's praise, feeling a sense of Pride like a child recognized by an elder.
Gentle laughter echoed in the chaotic seabed, carrying a certain wave that brushed through and interfered with the corresponding area of the Spirit World, preventing future divinations. Finally, it resonated in Siatas's mind:
"Let's go. With such a big commotion, Leodero's subordinates should be arriving soon. Before we head to the Fog Sea, you can also show me the world as it is now."
Siatas nodded heavily, stomping her foot, and amidst the sound of the seabed rock wall crumbling, she shot straight towards the sea surface.
On a small island a few kilometers from where the deep blue vortex had appeared, William Blake, pale-faced, opened his mouth as he watched the gradually calming scene and the departing airship, as if to say something.
Beside him, Anderson Hood, the strongest Hunter of the Fog Sea, stood with his arms crossed, flames rising from his body to dry his soaked clothes, and he clicked his tongue:
"Look, if it weren't for following me, with you being just a Sequence 6, how could you have seen such an exciting scene?"
William Blake, whose mind had been somewhat blank, immediately flew into a rage, pointing at the astonished Anderson with a face full of black lines and roaring:
"You're a jinx! Trouble follows you wherever you go!"
When they had originally left Selyros Island, their team still had an entire ship and over a dozen crew members. During this time, they had been hiding, but were still discovered by the Iron and Blood Cross Order, and in the end, only the two of them escaped.
If it weren't for that airship forcing away the Iron-Blooded Knight, both of them would have perished today. Before they could even catch their breath, they witnessed a tsunami that was nothing short of a disaster.
Recalling how he had been infatuated and listened to Anderson's nonsense to go to sea, William Blake was now filled with remorse.
Looking at his old friend, who had shared hardships before enjoying any prosperity, Anderson smiled brightly, patted his shoulder comfortingly, and said with an excited tone:
"Buddy, don't be so pessimistic. Look at it from another angle: we've endured so many hardships, doesn't that mean the treasures in the War of the Gods ruins are destined for us?"
"Besides, out with the old, in with the new. Those previous guys clearly weren't fated for the treasure. We can always gather another fleet."
Looking at this overly optimistic fellow, William Blake's pale face twitched slightly, and his vision momentarily blurred. Feeling that he couldn't argue with this guy, he simply shut up, turned around, and planned to chop down trees to make a raft, eager to leave this cursed place.
"Once I find a nearby sealed port, I'll return to Intis. No, if I go back now, I'll definitely be targeted by the Iron and Blood Cross Order. Damn it, that cursed Anderson…" William Blake's expression grew increasingly grim as he cursed inwardly.
"Should I become a pirate? I remember that the Sea King seems to be recruiting crew members recently. He shouldn't refuse a Sequence 6 like me, and only a Pirate King can ensure my safety…"
As he thought this, William Blake suddenly noticed that his surroundings had become very quiet. Anderson's rambling voice abruptly ceased. His heart sank, his thoughts were suddenly interrupted, and he instinctively turned his head.
A beautiful lady, dressed in a long dress with intricate patterns and possessing the elves' characteristic slightly pointed ears, stood opposite Anderson, radiating a slightly tyrannical and terrifying aura.
Feeling the aura, which was even more tyrannical and terrifying than that of the Iron and Blood Cross Order demigod from before, Anderson stiffened his body, trying hard to force a smile and make himself appear harmless. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
To escape from the Iron-Blooded Knight, he had already used the life-saving scroll he had obtained when he left the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom to venture out on his own.
Without a second of hesitation, Anderson, realizing his predicament, immediately straightened his body, bowed deeply, and said with a humble attitude and sincere words:
"I apologize for not welcoming you, Senior. Is there anything you need us to do? Just say the word, and I will go through fire and water without hesitation."
Seeing Anderson instantly cower, William Blake, who had originally intended to fight to the death, also cowardly gave in. Looking at the two men in front of her, Siatas, whose aura was slightly unstable due to her recent advancement, shifted her gaze slightly. She didn't make things difficult for them and directly asked:
"Where is this place, and what are the nearest islands?"
Anderson breathed a sigh of relief. Recalling the previous sea chart, he roughly stated their current position. After all, he had been a first mate on the "Morning Star" for several months, so Siatas quickly determined her current location.
Heading south would take them to Mid-Range Island. Although it nominally belonged to Loen, it was too close to the Berserk Sea, and even the Church of the Lord of Storms had low control there.
Looking at the young Hunter in front of her, Siatas calmly asked:
"I'm going to Mid-Range Island. I can give you a ride as a thank you."
Just as he was about to make an excuse to decline, Anderson heard the subsequent words:
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, the Sea King, Jahn Kottman, will be here soon."
Anderson's expression immediately changed. He gave a forced laugh and quickly nodded:
"Then thank you for your kindness, Senior."
Originally, William Blake didn't think much of it. After all, it was the Iron and Blood Cross Order chasing them, not the Church of the Lord of Storms. He wasn't a pirate yet, and the major churches overseas had softened their attitudes towards Beyonders considerably, unlike on land.
But seeing Anderson winking at him, he, who was about to refuse, suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
Although he wasn't as cunning as a Hunter, he had survived by following Anderson, so his mind was also flexible. He suddenly realized something.
The other party directly calling the Sea King by his true name was enough to indicate that she was at odds with the Church of the Lord of Storms. And since he now knew where this Senior was heading next, would this Senior feel safe leaving him alive to inform the Church of the Lord of Storms?
Sighing in his heart, he voluntarily walked to Anderson's side, allowing the chaotic hurricane to carry them away into the distance.
After fifteen minutes, a figure descended in the hurricane. It was a tall, burly middle-aged man, appearing to be just forty years old. His facial features were hard and defined, and his muscles were clearly delineated, filling out his loose Storm Cleric robe.
It was none other than the Cardinal of the Church of the Lord of Storms, the Archbishop of the Rosid Sea, a senior Deacon of the Punishers, and the Sea King, Jahn Kottman.
His deep blue eyes gazed at the sea, and his hair, the same color, was twice as thick as a normal person's, like tentacles.
He snorted coldly, and with a wave of his hand, the sea immediately parted to both sides. Jahn Kottman then disappeared into the deep seabed.
-----------------
Forsaken Land of the Gods, Moon City.
Many humans, some noticeably deformed and some already showing certain mutations, emerged from the buildings, which were heavily weathered but exceptionally sturdy.
The residents of Moon City, who had learned the general situation from the returning exploration teams and the High Priest, entered the sole plaza from various streets, filled with worry, fear, and hope.
At this time, on the high platform, Cavendish stood at the very front, having once again set up the sacrifice and bestowal ritual. High Priest Nim and Bruce, along with other members of the Elder Council, stood in the back.
Watching the residents of Moon City below the platform gather in an orderly manner according to their respective areas, Cavendish spoke gently:
"I will pray for divine favor again. Can you confirm once more if all residents of Moon City have arrived?"
Listening to the whispers below, Nim's gaze swept over the deformed faces, and he nodded heavily.
Aaron, above the dark golden mist, watched the prayer scene, scanning it with his True Sight, finding no signs of parasitism. However, this only ruled out shallow parasitism.
If it was deep parasitism, it wouldn't be observable like this. This was also why he was willing to show Moon City another miracle; it could quickly harvest Moon City's faith and, by giving them the opportunity to open their minds and receive purification, observe whether there were any abnormalities in the spiritual bodies of Moon City's residents.
As the dark golden mist boiled, the "Ocean of Light" reappeared and enveloped Moon City. This city, which had been submerged in Darkness for three thousand seven hundred and twenty-two years, finally saw light again.
Watching their compatriots, one by one, become so emotionally overwhelmed that they couldn't control themselves, A'dal and Rus, who had already experienced one purification, managed to restrain the turmoil in their hearts and quickly dragged out Monster corpses, one after another.
They sprinkled the mushrooms gifted by the Divine Envoy, watching various types of mushrooms grow rapidly and cover different parts of the Monster corpses. A'dal and Rus used sharpened wooden skewers to string the mushrooms and placed them over the bonfire.
Cavendish, having received a positive reply from the Lord of Order, breathed a sigh of relief. His figure gradually solidified; what had been on the high platform earlier was merely his historical projection.
If Amon truly had a clone hidden in Moon City, he had ample means to deal with it. Fortunately, the worst-case scenario did not occur.
Respectfully concluding the ritual, Cavendish walked to the bonfire, picked up a skewer of roasted mushrooms, and began to chew them in front of all the residents of Moon City.
Smelling the enticing aroma of food in the air, the residents of Moon City, gradually emerging from their own emotions, instinctively swallowed their saliva, experiencing a strong, uncontrollable appetite they had never felt before.
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