Winter kept piloting the submarine, searching for something.At first, Gideon was full of excitement, marveling at the deep-sea scenery. But over time, he grew tired of it. Eventually, he began meditating to maintain his peak condition.He had no idea how much time had passed. It seemed Winter intentionally avoided activating any time-tracking devices to keep him from growing impatient. Still, he estimated that two days had already gone by."Come quick!" Suddenly, Winter's shout snapped Gideon out of his meditation.He got up, walked over, and looked outside. His eyes widened instantly.In the waters ahead stood a massive black portal. It was wide and seemingly endless in height because the light couldn't reach its top. The sight was overwhelming.Bathed in the eerie green glow of the surroundings, paired with the oppressive atmosphere, the portal resembled the gates of hell, making Gideon's skin crawl.However, Winter was ecstatic. "We're so lucky! The route was correct."Gide
"Die!" Winter shouted sharply.In an instant, the submarine shook violently, and a powerful energy beam shot out. Like a bolt of lightning, it pierced through the seawater. In a mere moment, it struck the sea beast.The previously indestructible scales now seemed as fragile as paper, offering no defense whatsoever.The scales were pierced through. Then, its flesh.The massive body was directly penetrated by the energy beam, leaving a ten-foot-wide hole. Blood spurted out, and the sea beast howled in pain.However, it wasn't over yet. The residual energy within its body wreaked havoc, destroying the sea beast's internal organs.In Gideon's line of sight, the beast's enormous and mangled body thrashed about, churning the seawater while letting out an ear-piercing wail that seemed to cut into one's eardrums."What a terrifying power!" He was astonished.He wouldn't have stood a chance if he had faced that Particle Cannon. What an incredible feat of advanced technology."Bloodboun
Winter didn't argue and nodded. "Fine. That leaves the other half. If we can slay another sea beast with an inner core, two inner cores should be enough to satisfy you.""I'm looking forward to it."Gideon realized that the inner core of a sea beast was indeed highly beneficial for cultivation. Such treasures were the more, the merrier.However, relying solely on himself in the depths of the ocean to hunt a top-tier sea beast with an inner core was extremely difficult. Moreover, the Particle Cannon wasn't something that could be fired without limitation.Therefore, Gideon could only fantasize about obtaining another inner core without truly expecting it.The submarine continued moving forward. A flush of excitement appeared on Winter's pale face, the color a reflection of her emotions.Gideon was deeply curious. What could possibly be in these depths to make her so eager?"We're here."It was unclear how much time had passed when Winter's shout snapped Gideon out of his meditat
Gideon and Winter didn't have much time.The isolation suits only lasted ten minutes, with a maximum limit of fifteen. This meant Gideon and Winter had to complete their mission within that short window. Thus, the situation was urgent.The two quickly swam toward the central palace.It was an ancient bronze hall, incredibly well-preserved. Even after countless years submerged in seawater, it showed no signs of decay, still looking majestic.It was a miracle and truly a world marvel.But now wasn't the time for Gideon to marvel at it. He and Winter reached the grand hall's doors and began pushing them open.However, due to the immense pressure from the seawater, opening the doors wasn't easy."Over here," Winter said.She found a window, the only viable entry point.With a sharp shout, Gideon unleashed his peak strength, tearing apart the bronze bars of the window. The two squeezed through and entered.Unexpectedly, inside the ancient bronze hall was a bright light that illumi
Winter returned to the submarine. She removed her isolation suit, her heartbeat pounding like a drum. She didn't leave immediately but instead stared at the ancient ruins for a long time. Still, there was no sign of Gideon.She let out a heavy sigh. For a rare genius to fall, it was a loss to lament.But she had to do it. Otherwise, she would never have obtained the inheritance scroll."I will build a tomb for you and visit it every year. Gideon, I will remember you," she murmured to herself.Then, she piloted the submarine away from the ruins.Not long after she left, a sea beast slowly emerged from the ruins."Purus Cordus.""Calm the heart like still water; let the still water reflect the heart."A gentle breeze brings no ripple; serenity remains unperturbed."Sitting alone among the bamboo trees, as the long cry of the zither resonates."When entering a meditative silence, even a venomous dragon must retreat."With a heart unclouded, the heavens reward diligence."With
Winter was extremely anxious.The number of sea beasts was increasing, and the danger was growing ever direr. She had to make the most of what little time she had left to escape.Moreover, the submarine's energy supply wasn't infinite."One hour. The submarine can only last for one more hour. Once the power runs out, it'll be nothing but a heap of scrap metal." She gritted her teeth.To her credit, her piloting skills were exceptional. Despite the relentless pursuit and blockade by the sea beasts, she managed to escape through narrow gaps each time, every maneuver thrilling and perilous.Suddenly, more sea beasts arrived. The number now exceeded 20, and Winter's expression turned grim. Her palms were slick with cold sweat.Finally, at a certain moment, one sea beast's tail struck the submarine.She screamed.The submarine shook violently. Although its defenses were formidable, damage had been sustained, and many internal systems shut down.Then, another hit followed. The first
"It's not like that. I…""You what?" Gideon mocked. "What excuse could you possibly come up with? Isn't this the truth?"Winter was rendered speechless."Even if you had just told me in advance about the frenzy poison, I could've prepared for it. Let's say you didn't want to tell me because you were afraid I'd back out."You could've at least let me take an inner core with me or warned me not to leave the sea beast's inner core in the submarine."With the inner core, wouldn't I have had a better chance of surviving? And yet, what did you do? Nothing!"You wanted me dead, and you even planned to take the inner core for yourself. Tell me. Do you have any objections when I call you a venomous woman with a stone-cold heart?"Winter pressed her lips together, unable to respond.Gideon's tone turned icy. "For someone who wanted me dead, I'll just return the favor."Winter panicked. "Wait! Listen to me!""Oh? What could you possibly have to say? Do you think you can convince me to l
Gideon opened the hatch. He had already sensed the location of the inner core because the overwhelming, pure life energy it emitted radiated an irresistible allure.However, he needed to exercise extreme caution.Inside the beast's stomach, the highly corrosive gastric acid could dissolve even steel in moments. This was precisely why the beast had tossed the submarine straight into its mouth."Get ready," Gideon reminded Winter. "When I tear through the flesh to extract the inner core, the king of sea beasts will definitely sense it and go berserk. You'll need to seize the opportunity to fire the energy cannon. Find a weak point and blast our way out.""Understood," Winter responded.She inspected the submarine. Although it was slightly damaged, the energy cannon was still operational."We only have one shot," she added. "Energy is running low. We still need enough power to escape the deep sea and ascend the abyss. We can't afford to burn it all here."Gideon nodded. He took a d
Gideon made a move as he spoke, and a few energy cannons were shattered.Orabella exclaimed, "You know about energy cannons and even particle cannons? Have you heard of the Spirale Clan?""Who do you think you're looking down on? Why wouldn't I know?""What's your connection to the Spirale Clan?""Oh? Are you that interested? If so, we can stop right here and find a place to talk." Gideon smirked.He had his own plans. Draven didn't know the exact location of the Spirale Clan. He only had a few clues. So, searching blindly in the Asgard Plains would be too difficult.However, The Light Council was different. The most powerful and mysterious force in the world might actually know where the Spirale Clan was.Orabella held a high position in The Light Council, so she might know something.This was crucial for Gideon.Orabella, after a brief moment of thought, stopped in her tracks. There was no escaping. Even if she managed to get away, she would end up in a miserable state.Tha
"Run!" Orabella shouted in alarm.Gideon had vanished, but she didn't believe he had been blown to ashes. He must have escaped.Sure enough, scorching flames burst underground, transforming into two thin chains, shooting toward Orabella and Leomer. They looked small, but the pressure they exuded was immense. Even their armors felt like they were about to melt.These flames were from the Earthcore Flame. It wasn't just any Earthcore Flame. It was the purest essence of fire, its temperature unimaginably terrifying.Without the Solar Titan Physique, there was no way to resist it. Even touching or getting too close would severely wound the body."Attack!" Leomer roared fiercely.Unlike Orabella, he didn't retreat. Instead, he faced the Earthcore Flame head-on. His greatsword slashed out, releasing waves of sword energy. The attacks intertwined, forming a vast web, attempting to shred the Earthcore Flame to nothing.Gideon sneered.Leomer had grossly underestimated the Earthcore Fla
During this time, Umbra was more than capable of seizing the advantage with a fierce counterattack.All things considered, Orabella and Umbra were evenly matched. If they fought, it would be a fifty-fifty struggle."Who exactly are you?" Orabella was furious. She looked disheveled. It was something she had never experienced before. "Are you truly willing to become a mortal enemy of The Light Council? That is not a wise decision."Gideon grinned. "This isn't about me and The Light Council anymore. It's about me and you. I must subdue a genius like you and keep you by my side.""You!" Orabella's face burned with shame and fury.She was a divine maiden, the high and mighty Legion Commander of the Regnandi Legion. In all her years, she had never been subjected to such humiliation and offense. "You will pay for your words and actions!"Gideon laughed. "You still say such naive things at a time like this? How laughable!"The Solar Titan Physique within Gideon erupted, its energy pour
"Is that so? I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, it won't be as weak and useless as that so-called Decree of Decay!" Gideon remarked.He stood tall within the prison of light, making no moves, simply waiting for the next decree.This was his first clash with a powerhouse from The Light Council. He was eager to see their true abilities.After all, The Light Council was one of the most powerful and mysterious factions in the world. This was exactly the kind of intense battle Gideon craved. Only through such encounters could he push his limits and force himself to grow."You won't be disappointed." Orabella spread her arms wide, chanting once more, as she issued another decree, "Mind Shatter!"In an instant, Gideon's mind reeled as if struck by lightning. A splitting headache tore through his skull. His vision darkened, and his thoughts grew hazy.It didn't stop there."Attack!" The three Cardinals seized the opportunity to launch a relentless, coordinated assault.Gideon snorte
"You have a good physique, but it's still far from enough." Gideon sighed.In an instant, a chill ran down Vicar's spine. The next second, his fist shattered completely.Vicar let out a miserable scream, echoing through the canyon, making everyone's skin crawl.Gideon still hadn't let go.Vicar's expression turned ruthless. He knew if he didn't make a decisive move now, the consequences would be disastrous. He decided to sever his own arm and retreated at full speed."Generalissimo Tancred!" The two dukes rushed forward.At this moment, Vicar scowled. It was not just from the pain but from the overwhelming humiliation. The mighty Vicar had been forced to cut off his own arm, and in front of The Light Council, no less. What a joke!Suddenly, Orabella spoke up, "You're strong."She stepped forward. A faint halo of light surrounded her, making her seem divine and untouchable."But it is unwise to stand against The Light Council.""My apologies, but it was The Light Council who c
Nothing but ants? Vicar and the others froze.They had just been called nothing but ants. It was unbelievable. This was the first time in their lives they had ever heard such an insult. Their fury, especially the Cardinals', erupted like wildfire."How arrogant!""Do you think you're invincible just because you ambushed Leomer?"Gideon had defeated Leomer head-on, yet to them, it was nothing more than a sneak attack.However, Gideon couldn't be bothered to argue. He stepped forward. A divine, overwhelming energy radiated from him, and the surrounding temperature skyrocketed under the sheer heat of his presence."The Light Council? Heh! That's all you amount to. I heard you're backing Tylland, stirring up troubles at Dasovia's borders. You've got some nerve!"At the end of the day, Gideon was still a Dasovian. In foreign lands, protecting his homeland's dignity was not just his duty. It was his responsibility."Who are you?""Gideon Snow."Just two words from him felt thundero
Across The Light Council, aside from the Pope, no one else at his age had mastered the seventh level of the Divine Light Blade. This included the ten Legion Commanders. Even the extraordinarily gifted Orabella hadn't reached this level.Yet, Leomer had succeeded!"The seventh level…" Orabella's gaze flickered as she murmured, "Leomer truly is formidable.""With this skill alone, when Leomer steps down as Legion Commander, he will have a chance to become an Envoy of Light."The Envoy of Light was a special title and position. The Pope personally nominated the candidates, who were then elected through a vote.This role was not bound by The Light Council's regulations. Envoys of Light answered directly to the Pope, who had full authority over them.Though they held no official power within The Light Council, their status was unquestionably high as the Pope's most trusted aides. Some had even gone on to inherit the title of the Pope. Throughout The Light Council's history, many Envoy
The Guardian Legion of The Light Council held immense significance. It was one of the most crucial legions. Its duty was to safeguard The Light Council.However, for Leomer Peele, there was one person he vowed to protect above all else. That person was Orabella.Now that he had her approval, Leomer had no reservations. Gripping his massive sword, he strode onto the battlefield."Divine Light Blade." Leomer's long hair stood on end as his greatsword radiated brilliance.All he did was a simple vertical slash with no elaborate technique. Yet, with this single downward strike, it was as if the world had split apart. A sword energy wave spanning 880 yards materialized out of thin air.In an instant, the combined energy of the champions was severed."Dragon Severance!" Leomer swung his sword again.It was still a simple sword movement, but this time, it was a horizontal slash. The massive energy dragon formed by the champions, already split open, was now completely severed. It collap
At this moment, deep within the Great Rift of Death, in a territory filled with a sinister presence, a group of men and women were trapped. Their bodies bore various degrees of severe injuries."They're attacking again!" Ian gritted his teeth.Seeing another terrifying energy blast descending upon them, the champions once again joined forces to shatter it. However, they were truly reaching their limit.They fled there upon being pursued by Tylland's army and The Light Council's elite forces, only to be found and trapped again.The Light Council had somehow acquired a batch of high-tech weaponry that was capable of firing powerful energy beams, leaving the champions in utter misery.Outside their encampment, a group of figures radiating overwhelming power loomed atop a small hill.There were three Cardinals of The Light Council, two Legion Commanders, Tylland's supreme commander, and two royal dukes of Tylland. It was a total of eight elite powerhouses."The time is about right.