As Connoris chanted in a low voice, the doors of the cages were opened one by one. In an instant, a thick stench of blood spread in the Abyss Arena. Hideous demons and ferocious magical beasts rushed out of the cages like a surging flood. Roars, roars, and footsteps mixed together. Even Lin Li could not help but feel his scalp tingle at the sight of this horrifying scene.
"Alright, let's get out of here!" This was no joke. The Abyss Arena was a place used to stop challengers from the Monarchs. Each cage contained magical beasts and demons that were at least level-18. Now that hundreds of cages were opened at the same time, even Lin Li, who was infinitely close to the Legendary-realm, would not dare to go against them.
Moreover …
This was a gift for the Lord of Souls, and he had nothing better to do. Why should he accept it for the Lord of Souls? Almost at the same time that Connoris opened the cages, Lin Li had already cast a Hastening Spell on himself. At the same time, he rubbed the Summoning Lamp in his hand to recall the Lord of Nightmares that had changed Stephen's dream.
After doing all this, Lin Li grabbed the fleeing Connoris, and dragged the Soul Trader and Hutton into the only passageway in the Abyss Arena.
"Oh, yes, where's Stephen?" Hutton entered the tunnel and took a few deep breaths. He then asked with a lingering fear in his heart.
Hutton didn't have to ask to know that Stephen wouldn't have a good ending for what he did just now. President Felic was famous for being stingy. Previously, when the Syer Bandits launched a sneak attack, more than 300 of them died. How could Stephen have a good ending now that he had done such a thing?
However, Stephen probably would not die …
After all, Stephen had the backing of the Dark Blade, which had three Legendary powerhouses. It was a huge force that had been dominating the Breezy Plains for hundreds of years. Even the equally powerful Malfa Family did not dare to provoke them after that battle. Even his own teacher, a level-21 Legendary-mage, would speak with an unconcealable fear when he mentioned the three Legendary powerhouses of the Dark Blade. Hutton knew that this fear was not due to caution, but fear …
Honestly speaking, Hutton could tell that President Felic's personal strength was undoubtedly much stronger than he had imagined. Sometimes, Hutton even felt that even Legendary powerhouses who had been famous for decades would be at a disadvantage when facing this young President. This was purely an intuition that came naturally after experiencing countless shocks …
However, personal strength was only personal strength after all …
In the Breezy Plains, there were only a few people who could use their personal strength to decide everything. For example, the Ashen Warlock, the Shadow Moon Sword Sage, and the mage from the Tower of Darkness. They were the most powerful existences in the Breezy Plains, and their personal strength had already reached an unimaginable level. In the Breezy Plains, only a few people could use their personal strength to decide everything.
Before reaching their level, the strength of one's influence would determine everything.
The Guild of Magic had just been established in the Breezy Plains, and had almost no foundation. It was like a toddler learning to walk. Even the most impulsive and foolish person would know that it was not wise to offend the Dark Blade at this time. In fact, it could even be said to be a suicidal move.
If Stephen were to die here, what awaited the Guild of Magic would be the wrath of the Dark Blade. When that happened, the powerless Guild of Magic would be uprooted by the Dark Blade. President Felic was a smart man, and he should be able to see that …
"Mage Stephen seems to be waiting for an old friend, so he won't be coming with us." Lin Li glanced at the center of the Abyss Arena. Stephen had just woken up from his dream, and was rubbing his eyes as he looked around in shock and confusion …
It's almost time …
Lin Li calculated the time, and made sure that the cage had been opened. Only then did he throw the soul fragment in his hand onto the ground, and stomped on it …
With a crisp "Cha" sound, a strange and inexplicable force suddenly spread in all directions.
"Let's go!" After doing all this, Lin Li did not turn back. He led the confused Hutton into the passageway …
The Abyss Arena built by the ancient deities itself had a mysterious force. It could even be said to have a mysterious rule. Just as the two of them entered the narrow passageway, the entrance behind them was immediately covered by a red light. The red light was not very dazzling, and seemed to be only a thin layer. However, as the light shone, the Abyss Arena and the passageway seemed to have become two different worlds. Countless demons and magical beasts pounced in the direction of the passageway, wanting to capture the two humans who had trespassed into the arena. Yet, no matter how much they roared and howled, they could not cross the passageway at all …
"Mage Felic, will this …" Hutton followed closely behind Lin Li with a worried look on his face. To be honest, Hutton really felt that President Felic was not very wise this time …
After all, Stephen was the heir of the Dark Blade. If he were to die here, the Dark Blade would blame it on the Malfa Family and Guild of Magic, regardless of whether Hutton or President Felic killed him. The Malfa Family did not mind it, as they had been enemies for more than a hundred years. Adding a little more hatred did not matter, but the Guild of Magic was a newly established force. Was it really not afraid of the Dark Blade's revenge?
"Don't worry, Stephen won't die …" Lin Li knew what Hutton wanted to say, but it was a pity that Lin Li was really busy now …
Connoris had not stopped since they entered the passageway. This great Soul Trader had been harassing Lin Li repeatedly through their mental connection.
"Bloody hell, how did you know?"
"Do you know how you can open those cages?"
"That's right. This is one of my biggest secrets. Even Osric does not know about it. How … How could you know?" Connoris' voice was trembling. There was no doubt that this great Soul Trader was really afraid. It could not be helped. With his current state of existence, what he was most afraid of was having all his secrets discovered. His once powerful strength had been taken away by Osric, and all that was left was the knowledge and secrets that he had accumulated over the years. If he could not even keep these secrets, this former Demon Lord would not be far from being enslaved …
"I say, Connoris, as a great Soul Trader, don't you know what a fair trade is? You have your secrets, and I have mine. Think about it yourself. How many things have you hidden from me from the Eternal Furnace to the Abyss of Tharlen? Do you really think that I don't know anything? I just don't want to expose you. " Lin Li's voice did not sound angry, but his words were merciless. After pausing for a while, Lin Li continued, "Alright, Connoris, let's make a deal. If you want to know why, it's very simple. Use your own secret to exchange for it."
"What … What do you want to know?"
"Of course it's your own background. Oh yes, don't use the great Soul Trader to fool me. Even an idiot would know that the Greater Demons that existed before the Dark Age had countless incarnations. They were all f * cking perverts with a fetish for role-playing …"
"What … What do you know?" At this time, Connoris could not be bothered to find out what a fetish for role-playing was. His voice trembled even more than before. It was not a big secret in the Endless Abyss that the Greater Demons had countless incarnations before the Dark Age. Many beings above the Demon Lord level knew about it, but humans … How could humans know about it?
"Actually, Connoris, the only thing I want to know is which one of the 99 you are …"
"…" Following Lin Li's words, the conversation between the two stopped abruptly. It was so quiet that it was frightening.
If Lin Li's words made Connoris a little worried just now, then this great Soul Trader was really frightened now.
99, of course, they were the 99 ancient deities …
"You're definitely going to ask me how I know …" Lin Li smiled. He did not care what Connoris was thinking, and continued, "Am I right, great Soul Trader?"
"How … How could you know?" Connoris could not remember how many times he had said the same thing today.
"I guessed."
"You motherf * cker …" Connoris, who had always been a Soul Trader and had always been courteous, finally cursed. Everything that had happened today had completely exceeded his imagination. For countless years, this powerful demon had never lost his composure like this.
"It's useless to scold me …" Lin Li touched his nose, and there was no awkwardness in his expression. "Actually, it is not difficult to guess that you are an ancient deity. What kind of soul can survive in the Eternal Furnace? Don't tell me that the power of the seal can protect the soul. Don't forget that the Eternal Furnace is embedded with a Wyrm magical crystal. It is at least a level-24 Wyrm magical crystal. Even a Legendary powerhouse would not dare to go near the fire magical crystal, not to mention a sealed soul …"
"Just … Just because of this?" Connoris almost went crazy …
A dignified Ancient Demon God was exposed for such an unreasonable reason, and he had no way to refute it, because he had just used the Eternal Spell to open the cage of the Abyss Arena.
The Abyss Arena was built by the Ancient Demon Deities. Only the Ancient Demon Deities could truly control the rules and power within. Even if the Lord of Darkness was resurrected, he would not be able to use spells to open these prisons. Those who did not know about this might not think much of it. However, those who truly knew would be able to easily guess his identity as an Ancient Demon Deity.
This was really a damned cycle. It was like a chicken laying eggs, and an egg laying a chicken. Because he was an ancient deity, he could open the cage of the Abyss Arena. Because he could open the cage of the Abyss Arena, he was an ancient deity. F * ck …
"Of course, there are other reasons, but … this is also a secret." Lin Li was in a good mood now. Ever since he met Connoris in the Eternal Furnace, Lin Li had always felt that he was at a disadvantage. Although on the surface, it seemed that he could imprison Connoris in the Ring of Endless Storm and ask him about the Dark Age, Lin Li always felt that between him and Connoris, this self-proclaimed Soul Trader demon had always been the dominant one. Lin Li was like a puppet that was pulled by Connoris' strings.
It was only until just now that Lin Li had the real initiative.
Indeed, Lin Li had just figured out Connoris' identity as an ancient deity, but the real reason was not because of the Wyrm Crystal in the Eternal Furnace … If it had to be said, it could only be considered as one of the reasons. The reason why Lin Li said that just now was just to fool Connoris. There were many reasons why souls could not be destroyed, and there was no evidence to prove that Connoris was the real ancient deity.
In fact, what really made Lin Li guess Connoris' identity was the few spells that Connoris chanted on the lake. To an ordinary person, those spells might not be a big deal. They were just a little old and obscure, and even Andoine, who was an authority in the Dark Age, might not know what voice Connoris used.
Actually, Lin Li did not know either …
But it did not matter if he did not know, Lin Li could guess …
For a freak like Lin Li who was almost omnipotent in all professions, there was too much information that could be revealed by an ancient and obscure incantation.
Lin Li was rather proficient in the Demon Language. There were a total of 17 Demon Languages in the Endless Abyss. They were like the dialects of the original world, each with their own characteristics and habits. Most of the time, it sounded like a completely different language, but in some subtle areas, these 17 Demon Languages were shockingly similar. It was because of this that Lin Li dared to make such a bold guess.
Coming from the mouth of a demon, and having all the characteristics of the Demon Language, yet being completely different from any of the 17 Demon Languages, narrowed the scope to a very small extent …
But even so, Lin Li did not dare to be sure that Connoris was a terrifying creature that was comparable to the Titanic Wyrm in the legends. He was an ancient demon that lived in the prehistoric times but was almost unknown to the people.
Hence, everything that happened after that …
Letting Connoris open the cage was just a test. But under such a tense situation, even an ancient demon would not be able to react in time. To Connoris, he would at most reveal some of his secrets. As an ancient demon, he had too many similar secrets. So what if he let this human know that he knew some secrets of the Abyss of Tharlen? In fact, he had wanted to find a suitable opportunity to tell him these secrets.
Connoris would never have dreamt that his identity would be exposed because of a spell …
"Alright …" After a long period of silence, Connoris finally broke the silence. "I admit that I did hide some things. You're right. Countless years ago, I was indeed one of the 99 ancient deities. But that is all in the past. The me now is just a pitiful soul sealed in a hammer …"
"Then, almighty Soul Trader, is it time for you to be honest with me?"
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything!" Lin Li's voice had an unquestionable tone. "But before that, I really want to know which of the 99 ancient deities you are?"
"Countless years ago, I was once the Lord of the 90th level of the Abyss. I mastered the rules of conspiracy and deception. As for my previous name, it was taken away when my soul was completely shattered into countless pieces. Before I find those pieces of my soul, even I can't use that name."
"Alright." Lin Li nodded, and did not continue to pester him. The name of an ancient deity itself had infinite power. Just like the Titan Script and the ancient dragon language, just one word was enough to trigger a power that could destroy heaven and earth. For an ancient demon like Connoris, even his soul would be completely shattered, not to mention the name that had infinite power.
"Oh, yes, Connoris. I have a question that I don't quite understand. Since you were once an ancient deity, how did Osric capture you? You have to know that when Osric was at his strongest, he had just broken through level-25. For an existence like you, it shouldn't be too difficult to deal with, right? "
"Hmph, Osric …" At the mention of the Highlord's name, there was an unconcealable hatred in Connoris' voice. "Before I was captured by Osric, I had been looking for the pieces of my soul that I had lost. In fact, I have already recovered about one-third of them. If I was given some time, I would be able to master the rules of conspiracy again. When that time comes, even 10 Osric would not be enough to kill me …"
"So powerful?"
"Hmph, do you think that the ancient demons are called ancient deities for no reason? The power of an ancient demon at its peak was almost comparable to that of a real deity. No matter how strong Osric was, how could he fight against the power of a deity? Moreover, even if I had only recovered one-third of my power, Osric would not be able to capture me easily. Although I could not fight against Osric and his Magic Legion, it was not a problem for me to escape. It's a pity … "
"What's a pity?"
"It's a pity that Osric has an artifact left behind by the Immortal King …"
"Artifact?" Lin Li was stunned for a moment, and then he laughed. To Lin Li, an artifact was not a big deal. The so-called artifacts in Anril were nothing more than the seven artifacts of the Felan Kingdom. Back when he was at the Alanna Guild of Magic, Lin Li had the honor of seeing an artifact called the Thor's Staff. It was given to the Alanna Guild of Magic by the king of Felan 200 years ago. This Thor's Staff was one of the seven artifacts of the Felan Kingdom. It was said that during the Dark Age, it was once the weapon of a High Elf's Sanctuary Master.
The weapon of a Sanctuary Master was certainly powerful. Even in Lin Li's eyes, the craftsmanship of this Thor's Staff was at least at the Guru-level.
To an ordinary person, the Guru-level was already a realm that they could not even dream of reaching. But to a Guru-level all-rounder like Lin Li, it was really not a big deal.
It was not an exaggeration to say that as long as he had enough materials, Lin Li could have as many artifacts as he wanted.
Back then, Connoris was an ancient deity. Even if his soul was shattered, and he lost two-thirds of his power, it was still not something that a so-called artifact could compete with. Not to mention, this artifact could completely capture him.
"To be honest, Connoris, if everything you said is true, then I really don't believe that a so-called artifact could hurt you when you have recovered one-third of your power."
"No, no, no … The artifact I am talking about is a real artifact …" Connoris paused for a moment, and his voice was filled with unprecedented fear. "A weapon made by the gods …"
"…" Lin Li could not help but suck in a breath of cold air as soon as he heard this. A weapon forged by the gods … Wouldn't that be the same as the Stars of Fury?
"Osric relied on this artifact to capture me during the battle to conquer the 20th floor of the abyss …" Lin Li muttered to himself.
"Yes …" Lin Li nodded. Just when he wanted to change the question, Connoris, who was on his back, suddenly trembled.
"The Lord of Souls is here!"
"Oh?" Lin Li was stunned for a moment. He looked back with a little surprise and curiosity. Through the thin red light, he saw a Greater Demon appear out of thin air. It had a sharp horn, a hideous head, and countless purple scales covering its body. Just looking at it made one's scalp tingle. Two sharp claws hung by its side, and purple electric arcs circled around its sharp nails. What else could it be if not the legendary Soul Walker?
It was said that the purple electric arcs were the true power of the Soul Walker. Once released, it would be like a storm. Hence, the talent of the Soul Walker was also known as the Soul Storm. In almost all legends, the Soul Storm was a terrifying magic that could make people go crazy. Any creature that fell into the Soul Storm would have its soul devoured instantly, and become a real walking corpse.
Moreover, the souls devoured by the Soul Storm would be eternally enslaved. This was the strength of the Soul Walker. Every time it devoured a soul, the Soul Walker's strength would increase by a bit. Some people even said that if the Soul Walker devoured enough souls, it was very likely that it would grasp the true law of souls and become a demigod and demonic monster.
Of course … this was just an exaggeration.
For countless years, there had never been a case of a Soul Walker breaking through to the Legendary-realm. Mephistos of the Abyss of Tharlen was the only exception. He was the only Soul Walker in the Legendary-realm. One had to know that Mephistos had become the Lord of the Abyss of Tharlen when he had just reached level-20. If not for the sudden arrival of the incarnation of the Dragon of Destruction, Mephistos would have continued to rule the Abyss of Tharlen.
The Abyss of Tharlen was located on the 27th floor of the Abyss. There were definitely many Greater Demons above level-20, and there might even be Greater Demons above level-21 or level-22. The fact that Mephistos could rule the Abyss of Tharlen with his level-20 abilities was enough to prove the strength of the Soul Walker.
It was definitely impossible to reach the Sanctuary-realm. The evolution of the Soul Walker depended on devouring souls. Unless a Soul Walker could devour the soul of a level-27 or level-28 powerhouse of the Sanctuary-realm, it would be impossible to break through to that illusory realm. What kind of concept was a level-27 or level-28 powerhouse of the Sanctuary-realm? If he wanted to kill Mephistos, he would only need to lift a finger. As for the other Soul Walkers, there was no need to even think about it …
Unfortunately, Mephistos's appearance was too inopportune. He had just appeared in the middle of the Abyss Arena when the endless demons and magical beasts pounced on him like a tidal wave.
"Damn it!" Mephistos's illusory figure froze for a moment before he let out a deafening roar. "Damned human, how dare you deceive the Lord of Souls!"
"W-what's going on?" Hutton's eyes widened …
"To put it simply, I used some small things to cover the eyes of the Lord of Souls …" Lin Li smiled, and did not answer Hutton's question directly. The existence of the Lord of Nightmares was a secret that Lin Li valued greatly. Although the Lord of Nightmares that was sealed in the oil lamp was no longer the powerful lord of the 18th floor of the Abyss, and its power had fallen to around level-19, its ability to alter dreams and create dreams was a very important weapon to Lin Li. If he used it well, it could be even more terrifying than the Humerus Wyrm.
Of course, Lin Li would not reveal such a secret to Hutton …
"It's the doing of the Lord of Nightmares, right?" Connoris, who was on his back, saw through Lin Li's trick.
"Yes."
"It's a pity that the two Rainbow Manticore Kings with the same soul are already dead. Otherwise, we might really be able to give Mephistos a huge surprise. As for now, I think we should take the opportunity while Mephistos is occupied by those prisoners to quickly leave this damned place."
"Let's hope these prisoners can keep Mephistos occupied for a while longer …" Lin Li nodded. He agreed with Connoris' opinion. Mephistos was a Soul Walker in the Legendary-realm, after all, and the Lord of Souls that had once ruled the Abyss of Tharlen. The power of the Soul Storm was far beyond the imagination of ordinary people, and it was impossible to kill it with a bunch of level-18 and 19 demons and magical beasts.
It was indeed unrealistic …
However, it was enough to tangle with him for a while …
Their trip to the Abyss of Tharlen was not to engage in a massacre. As long as they could find the Throne of Darkness, they would be able to obtain the three relics left behind by Geresco. With such a huge sum of wealth in front of them, was there a need to fight to the death with Mephistos?
"Alright, let's go." After saying that, Lin Li began the recitation of the Transcendence Spell. According to Connoris, it would take about 10 minutes to pass through this tunnel. There were countless Vengeful Spirits along the way, and the guidance of the Transcendence Spell had to be maintained at all times. If it was interrupted, they would immediately be drowned by the countless Vengeful Spirits.
The Transcendence Spell was a level-18 magic spell. To an ordinary Archmage, it would be considered good if they could cast it. To maintain it for 10 minutes was simply a fantasy. Perhaps only a freak like Lin Li, who could maintain his full output of mana for more than 10 minutes during the magic level test, would dare to take on such an impossible task.
Even so, Lin Li did not dare to let his guard down. Before reciting the Transcendence Spell, he did not forget to let Hutton wear the Robe of Light. It was a piece of Master-level magical equipment. Although wearing it would not make him completely immune to the attacks of the Vengeful Spirits, it should be able to slow him down in times of crisis.
After doing all this, Lin Li began the guidance of the Transcendence Spell.
The two young mages and the soul of an ancient deity walked towards the end of the tunnel.
Connoris was right. There were so many Vengeful Spirits in this tunnel that Lin Li had never seen in his life. Even the countless Vengeful Spirits summoned by Sendros using the Thousand Souls Spell in the Blackstone Mountains were not worth mentioning compared to this.
The entire tunnel was filled with these illusory Undead creatures. With every step Lin Li took, he could see thousands of Vengeful Spirits being turned into nothingness by the Transcendence Spell. The resentment released by the Vengeful Spirits surged towards the two of them like a tidal wave. The resentment transformed into countless horrifying images in front of their eyes. Each image was filled with flesh and blood, and it constantly tested the limits of their imagination. Hearing the wails and cries of the Vengeful Spirits, it was as if they had entered the legendary 18 levels of hell. Without the protection of the Transcendence Spell, no matter how determined a person was, they would inevitably go crazy in the face of such a horrifying scene.
Hutton was considered a rather impressive figure in the Breezy Plains. He was an Archmage in his twenties, and the first heir of the Malfa Family. However, when he entered the tunnel and faced the endless Vengeful Spirits, his face immediately turned pale. Large beads of sweat dripped from his forehead, and his hands that were gripping his magic staff were trembling non-stop due to fear and nervousness.
Even from a distance, one could almost hear the sound of Hutton's teeth chattering …
Furthermore, this was under the protection of the Transcendence Spell. Without the Transcendence Spell, even Lin Li did not dare to imagine the consequences …
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