by Zhuang Bifan
However, Cheyenne did not leave empty-handed, either. At least after the mental strength was dispersed, he realized that the corporeal Vengeful Spirits that had caused him a great deal of agony actually vanished into thin air. That alone was enough to show that there was indeed something wrong with the Sky Castle at this moment. Although Cheyenne was unclear what it was, he believed that it was a sign of a dramatic change.
Princess Elune suddenly opened her eyes in fright, and exclaimed, "It's the towers, the towers scattered around the Sky Castle. I seem to be able to see some terrible things!"
Although Princess Elune did not have the magical crystal that controlled the Sky Castle like Lin Li, she managed to see the abnormal state of the towers through her Legendary weapon, Song of Heart.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Elder Randy did not doubt Princess Elune's words, even though her strength had just reached the Legendary level and she was the weakest amongst them. Her Legendary technique was created for archers by Wind Whisperer Hull. That was also the reason that the Archers could find enemies that were beyond their field of vision to shoot their enemies to death with their arrows. It also allowed Wind Whisperer Hull to kill the King of Ledin Kingdom with just one arrow despite being extremely far away.
Of course, Princess Elune couldn't be that clever, but the power of the Song of Heart was enough to allow her to see some things beyond the field of her vision. However, Princess Elune was obviously still limited by her strength, and could not see everything too clearly.
Lin Li held onto the magical crystal that controlled the Sky Castle. Although he could not really control the Sky Castle, he could still see everything that was going on and changing in the Sky Castle. When Princess Elune was still telling Elder Randy about the changes of the towers, Lin Li had already seen that a dark shadow was condensing rapidly in the sky, seemingly gestating a daunting Undead creature.
The 36 towers were shrouded in thick black mist that looked just like a black python that was converging towards the rolling black shadow in the sky. If it were a bright environment, the grand scene would definitely attract everyone's attention. However, even Lin Li could only see the changes using the magical crystal.
Lin Li knew deep down that the strong Undead creature that was gestating in the sky might have existed in this Sky Castle since a long time ago. He reckoned that the Undead creature might have somehow fallen into deep sleep and failed to detect their presence when they'd arrived.
Lin Li looked at the magical crystal in his hand and reckoned that the Undead creature must have awakened because he had broken through the Orderly Maze and taken away the magical crystal of the Sky Castle. However, Lin Li could not think of any explanation of the origin of this Undead creature. If it had been left behind by the Immortal King, it should have been awakened when they all had arrived. There was no reason for it to wait until Lin Li obtained the magical crystal to stop him and the rest from leaving.
Since it was unlikely to be the Immortal King, it could only be the others. However, the Sky Castle was just like another haven for the High Elves, apart from the Tree of Eternity. The ordinary High Elves were not qualified to be there, let alone create a powerful Undead creature and change the 36 towers into Psychic Towers to form a strong Psychic Array.
It was said that the queen of High Elves had once set foot in this Sky Castle at the end of the Dark Age, and inherited a powerful weapon of the Immortal King. At that time, the Sky Castles of the High Elves were destroyed one after another, and they stopped dominating the lands.
The queen of High Elves put her last hope on the last battle with Geresco, hoping to use the Immortal King's weapon to save the High Elves who were on the verge of extinction. However, it was clear that she had failed. Not only had Geresco emerged victorious, he even ruined the Tree of Eternity, leaving the High Elves with no means to make a comeback.
With the strength of the queen of High Elves, she could completely do it, but her pride did not allow her to get herself associated with the Undead creatures.
Apart from the queen of High Elves, Lin Li felt that the most suspicious culprit was the great Lord Osric. The note in the laboratory of the Immortal King showed that Osric had clearly gone up to the Sky Castle and taken away almost all of the valuable things.
Chapter 683 - Rebirth
More importantly, Osric entered the Central Tower using the same method as Lin Li and the rest despite being a disciple of the Immortal King. He, too, barged into the Seven-Realm Spiral of the Orderly Maze. He could tell from Osric's note that the latter seemed to be looking for something important, but ended up venting his anger and destroying the Immortal King's laboratory. That was not how a disciple ought to show respect to his teacher.
Lin Li could not guess what Osric was looking for, but it was unlikely that it would be the magical crystal that controlled the Sky Castle. The sixth floor of the Central Tower was completely sealed by the Immortal King using the space trap, so Osric probably wouldn't have been able to enter, either. However, Osric should have known that the magical crystal was right there. If his goal was the magical crystal, the words he wrote on that note should be his complaints, and not a clue about where the Immortal King had hidden the item.
The experience he had on the sixth floor of the Central Tower made Lin Li vaguely feel like the Immortal King seemed to have some connection with himself. Putting aside the striking resemblance between Lin Li and the Immortal King since it could be a coincidence, Lin Li could not help but wonder why he was the only one who got sent into the fantastical scene, and why the Endless Labyrinth appeared in it. What did the Immortal King mean when he said those words to me after I watched the evolution of Anril?
Lin Li had obtained the magical crystal that controlled the Sky Castle and received plenty of information from it. He wondered, Can I just be narcissistic and fancy that I'm the successor of the Immortal King? Lin Li was filled with doubts and questions, but after he linked them all together, he felt that the absurd answer was not impossible.
Perhaps Osric did know something, and thus was displeased with the Immortal King. After failing to find that important thing, he left the note behind in the Sky Castle to make life hard and create trouble for the successor of the Immortal King. It would only be reasonable for him to do so. Although Lin Li could not be sure, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that Osric was very suspicious.
Damn it. The world that Lin Li was in before he arrived in Anril was filled with evil characters throughout 1000 years. Why did the perverts of this world plot against others more than 1000 years in advance? Geresco, the Immortal King, and the bastard Osric are all the same. You're dead anyway, what's the point of plotting against others? Would it make you happier!?
Looking at the condensed black mist in the sky, Lin Li couldn't help but cuss continuously. Be it the Undead creature that was left behind by Osric or any other psychotic creatures, one thing for sure was that the setup was meant for plotting against the person who obtained the magical crystal in the end, or rather the Immortal King's successor.
However, cursing could not help him solve the problem at hand. Lin Li could completely sense the massive and daunting power in the condensed black mist. The Undead creature had been gestating in the highest-grade Psychic Array. Even an ordinary Skeletal Warrior would have definitely possessed power that surpassed that of the Skeletal Lord. If Osric really had been the one behind this, he probably wouldn't have just left a Skeletal Warrior behind.
Only moments passed, yet the black mist in the sky had become increasingly obvious, and would soon cover the sun like boiling black ink. Even the endless Nether Storm seemed to have been subdued by the huge force at this moment, and the brilliant light that was conjured up could no longer be seen in the sky.
At this point, there was no longer a need to explain anything. As long as they were not blind, everyone would definitely be able to see the changes in the sky. The terrifying power emanating from the dark mist seemed to be heral
ding the end of the world. Everyone could not hide the horror that was written all over their faces. Even Elder Randy, who had level-23 power, could not help but feel powerless when faced with that power.
Finally, Lin Li vaguely saw a tall figure in the thick mist, but due to the fact that he did not have enough control over the magical crystal yet, he could not see the figure clearly regardless of how much mental strength he infused the crystal with. However, the terrifying and unrivaled power that filled the entire Sky Castle could be felt clearly without any special techniques.
"That… That is Osric!"
All of a sudden, Lin Li's mind was filled with Connoris' cry of horror.
Lin Li suddenly froze, and his heart almost stopped beating at this moment. He asked in disbelief, "Are you sure? How can that be? Shouldn't Osric be in his mausoleum? How could he possibly be here, transformed into an Undead creature!?"
After finding out that his days were numbered, Lord Osric channeled all of his energy into the construction of his tomb. That was what Connoris told Lin Li, as well as one of the most common speculations about Osric in Anril. Besides, the Alanna Guild of Magic and the Adventurers Guild also verified that after discovering Osric's mausoleum.
However, now that he was facing the Undead creature gestating in the sky, Connoris actually yelled Osric's name. Lin Li obviously couldn't take it. Osric had built his mausoleum precisely for the sake of giving himself a place to rest in peace. If he were to turn into an Undead creature, what was the point of putting in so much effort into creating his own mausoleum?
Back then, Lord Osric was full of vigor, and was ambitious enough to build a Sky Castle. Even though he inevitably feared death in his later years, he would never stoop so low as to turn himself into an Undead creature.
After letting out a cry, Connoris heard Lin Li's question, and was somewhat uncertain. "I know, this is a little weird, but that figure really reminds me of Osric."
Connoris' indefinite answer did not dispel Lin Li's doubts. Instead, he was more worried. Connoris had been sealed in the hammer by Osric and placed in the Eternal Furnace. It was almost impossible for him to see any other High Elven powerhouse apart from Osric. Besides, Connoris and Osric had interacted with each other for countless years, and thus he knew Osric better than most people. Hence, the possibility of recognizing the wrong person was rather small.
Of course, Lin Li still hoped that Connoris had really recognized the wrong person. Osric was formidable before his death, and was the disciple of the Immortal King, second only to the queen of the High Elves. If the Undead creature was really Osric's incarnation after death, there wouldn't be a chance of surviving.
Lin Li looked at the tall figure that was condensing in the sky, feeling a little hopeful. He said to Connoris in his head, "The High Elves absolutely detest Necromagic and are disgusted with it. Although plenty of High Elves began to study Necromagic at the end of the Dark Age, Osric has an extraordinary identity, so he probably wouldn't touch Necromagic."
"Hmph, didn't you know? Many of the so-called rules are made by the superior rulers for their underlings. Hence, they do not really have to obey the rules. As the Immortal King's disciple, Osric had long inherited all of the Immortal King's Necromagic. It was only up to him to decide whether to use it. There's probably no one in Anril who can surpass him in Necromagic," said Connoris, who was clearly disdainful towards the prestigious High Elves, yet had no choice but to admit that Osric was powerful.
Damn it, the High Elves are playing such tricks too! Lin Li thought to himself in disdain. He suddenly remembered the phrase 'one may steal a horse, while another may not look over a hedge' that was a popular saying about double standards in the world that he came from. Norfeller's previous owner was Osric's half-brother who had to hide in the secret palace to practice and study Necromagic. On the other hand, no one dared to say anything about the Immortal King inheriting Necromagic, even though all of the High Elves, including the queen and other elites, were all well aware of it.
"But even if Osric mastered Necromagic, he might not have necessarily turned himself into an Undead creature. He was a mighty Highlord and a remarkable, majestic, and stunning figure during the Dark Age, yet he actually became an Undead creature that was deemed dirty by the High Elves?" Even Lin Li found the extreme transformation to be unacceptable, let alone Osric, who was almighty and glorious.
"I don't know about that," said Connoris. He was, after all, just a prisoner sealed in the hammer at that time. Most of the information he knew about Osric was told to him by Osric himself. How could Osric possibly tell him that he would be becoming a dirty Undead creature after his death?
"However, I do remember that when Osric returned to the Eternal Furnace, his emotions and temperament changed drastically, and he seemed to be less fearful of death. He even occasionally revealed some information in his words, something along the lines of him being able to be reborn again after his death," said Connoris while recalling the past.
Upon hearing Connoris' words, Lin Li's heart sank, and he thought, He can still be reborn after death? Is this alluding to being transformed into an Undead creature? No one could really escape death, and the breaking through of realms was just to allow one's life to continue and extend. Even the powerhouses of the Sanctuary-realm had definite lifespan. At the moment of death, they would turn into another form of life and continue living. Could that be what Osric meant by rebirth?
"Is this what he meant by rebirth?" Lin Li looked up at the sky to see that the tall figure in the thick black mist was gradually turning solid. He then said to Connoris in his head, "Other than these, what else do you remember? "
"No matter what, escaping death should be something worth celebrating, shouldn't it? However, I felt that he seemed to be a little worried sometimes. It seemed he was fretting over something. I don't know what it was, though. He refused to tell me, and I couldn't ask, either," Connoris said helplessly.
Although Connoris did not explicitly point out anything, the various hints would verify a terrifying conjecture when put together.
However, at this moment, Lin Li no longer had the time to think about whether or not the Undead creature was Osric and why it had appeared in the Sky Castle.
As the shadows gradually condensed, a massive amount of death aura filled the entire Sky Castle, turning the sacred place that once represented the glorious High Elves into a completely silent region. The death aura was even more suffocating and daunting than the one in the Undead world in the Seven-Realm Spiral. It made all of them feel infinite despair.
It was definitely a terrifying existence that surpassed the Undead Lords. Those who had experienced the Seven-Realm Spiral clearly remembered the terrifying and austere atmosphere that was present when the three Undead Lords appeared. However, the three of them now seemed simply too inferior compared to this creature.
Staring at the figure that was gradually condensing, none of them communicated with each other, but they raised their weapons at the same time. The gems of the staffs radiated bright rays of lights, and the massive mana condensed before blasting towards the dark mist in the sky. With the sounds of a bowstring being pulled and released, the sharp arrows that glowed with magic light seemed to dart into the black mist like meteors. Even the prideful unicorn began to shoot out some sacred light from its spiral horn.
Instantly, the sounds of explosion filled the air and the black mist in the sky was blown away before condensing again. Later on, it was again burst open and rolled amidst the clouds like tidal waves. Everyone almost put in all of their power and displayed their strongest techniques in hopes of destroying or killing the Undead creature before it was fully awakened.
However, when the roar subsided, the magic light faded, and the scene in the sky once again caught everyone's eyes. They were all dumbfounded. The rolling black mist was still as thick as ever, and the figure gestating in it was extremely solid. It was as if the attacks never happened.
"What exactly is that!?!" St
aring at the figure in the sky, even Elder Randy could not control himself or stop his body from quaking. He reckoned that even the Green Dragon King that had brought everyone despair might not be able to withstand the crazy attacks just now. However, the figure was not only unharmed, it didn't seem to slow down at all.
"No matter what, even without the protection of the dark mist, that guy is very likely to reach level-24. Once he awakens, I'm afraid…" Cheyenne gripped the staff tightly in his hand, and horror was written all over his face.
Chapter 684 - Tide of Death
Even if Cheyenne didn't mention it, everyone knew and understood what an Undead creature that was most likely level-24 meant for himself and others. Although Elder Randy was a level-23 Druid who was just one level away from level-24, his abilities were definitely way worse. Level-24 was the strongest level below the Sanctuary-realm. Besides, this place was obviously the territory of that formidable Undead creature.
Damn it, if that's really that bastard Osric, these people definitely wouldn't have the ability to retaliate. The only outcome would be death! Lin Li cursed bitterly in his heart, but he never looked at the sky again. Instead, he exhibited his flying skills and flew towards the Teleportation Portal.
Regardless of whether it's Osric or something else, I'd better run since I can't beat it! Lin Li thought. He did not think that he had the ability to challenge a level-24 Undead creature. Besides, if the creature was really Osric, the power that he exhibited would definitely be beyond level-24 since he had inherited the Immortal King's Necromagic.
Seeing Lin Li fly towards the Teleportation Portal with his subordinates, Elder Randy and the rest suddenly snapped out of their trance. No matter how powerful the entity in the sky was, their journey would come to an end once they left through the Teleportation Portal. If the entity were to chase after them, the level-24 Green Dragon King could deal with it, and at least help them buy some time.
