Deep within the collective unconscious sea, a magnificent Corpse Cathedral stood majestically at the center of a cluster of ornate buildings, exuding a mysterious and dark aura.
With a vivid, blood-red banner mark protruding from his glabella, Medici leaned casually against the cross deep within the hall, his expression barely concealing his mockery as he looked at "Charles I" impaled and fixed by blood-stained wooden stakes. However, he couldn't be bothered to mock a corpse further.
A thick war mist solidified beneath him, forming a grotesque black iron throne. After receiving the descent of the God of Steam and Machinery, his condition had deteriorated but was far from as bad as the Demoness Sect had predicted.
Shifting his gaze from the cross, Medici scrutinized the realistic murals on the church's dome, letting out a sarcastic "Tsk":
"Completely ignoring the influence of the City of Calamity, and forcibly helping that little fellow advance to Conqueror, tsk, it seems his control over that Sefirah might be beyond your expectations."
Beneath the magnificent cross, Adam, dressed in a simple white robe, did not respond. He merely half-closed his eyes, raised his right hand clutching a silver cross pendant, and tapped four times in front of him.
The Southern Continent in the mural silently vanished, or more accurately, the entire hall was replaced by another space materialized from imagination.
Dazzling light filled his vision, and Medici's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the colossal, albeit illusory, light figure that seemed capable of supporting heaven and earth point at him from afar.
Medici imperceptibly pursed his lips, suppressing the restlessness of 0-01. From beneath his armor, stained with mottled blood, a Chaos Sea containing all colors and possibilities rapidly surged forth and quickly detached, transforming into a mottled, ancient stone slab. This was precisely the second Blasphemy Slate that Amon had left within Medici's body.
Now, having returned to the Sequence of Conqueror and received the blessing of the origin of war, he no longer needed this Lord's relic to balance and suppress 0-01.
After the light figure dissipated, Adam held up the stone slab in his left hand and, with a simple-looking quill in his right, wrote something on the cross where "Charles I" was suspended.
Illusory flames ignited deep within his eyes, yet he still couldn't discern the words dissolving into the cross. Medici pinched the banner mark on his glabella and continued in a mocking tone:
"Compared to the little raven, I truly dislike you more. After returning the Lord's relic, I hope we never meet again from now on…"
"If I become a necessary sacrifice in your eyes again, then disregard what I just said. However, I hope that at that time, you'll let me be completely free!"
Knowing that this fellow only had pure divinity left, Medici didn't expect Adam's response after a round of mockery. He directly transformed into a nearly invisible stream of fire, burning with a deep purple, blood-like color, and instantly crashed into the tightly shut church door.
There was no violent explosion. Medici rushed out of the unconscious sea without any hindrance. The mental city hidden in the gray world had already vanished without a trace.
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Backlund, Empress Borough, Sodela Palace.
The Palace Guard Captain, Viscount Stratford, hurried through the layered, magnificent palaces, finally seeing George III seated on the throne, wearing a crown, and sporting two small mustaches:
"Your Majesty, multiple sources confirm that all Feysac colonial areas in East Balam have been captured. It's just…"
Viscount Stratford paused, cautiously looking up at His Majesty the King's expressionless face, and continued, sweat beading on his forehead:
"It's just that MI9 in the Southern Continent seems to have been paralyzed. All telegrams sent to the Southern Continent have received no response…"
As the noble closest to the throne and himself a Beyonder, Viscount Stratford was aware of the subtle relationship between the royal family and the Angel Family entrenched in East Tucker County. Unlike the common residents, who were elated and encouraged by the news of victory, he felt no joy in his heart, only bone-chilling coldness.
Although Loen had nominally won the victory in East Balam, it had essentially lost this most important overseas colony, especially with the nearly acquiescence attitude of the two major churches, Evernight and Storms…
At this thought, Stratford dared not delve deeper. In the agonizing wait, George III's solemn voice finally reached his ears:
"I give you two days. I want Loen to know about this victory throughout its territory. Three days from now, I will give a speech to the entire nation. Make sure to organize the populace in all cities and various villages to gather in the squares, and use the latest technology to ensure everyone hears it!"
Not expecting such a response, Stratford was startled. He subconsciously looked up, and upon meeting those deep, ink-like eyes, his entire body trembled violently.
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
Daring not to say more, Stratford, drenched in cold sweat, lowered his head and fled the palace as if escaping.
George III's expression on the throne turned cold. He slightly tilted his head to the side, and a somewhat profound light gathered and condensed into a figure—it was William Augustus I, the founder of Loen.
"I didn't expect the Conqueror characteristic to fall into Varna's hands. His clinging to life for these past few centuries must have been due to Evernight's protection, which allowed him to evade our probes. Now that he has advanced to Sequence 1, the situation in the Southern Continent is already uncontrollable."
Throwing several dark golden scrolls to George III, William Augustus I added with an indifferent expression:
"These are the contracts signed by Zaratul, Hermes, and that Devil who came knocking on their own accord."
Surging shadows swallowed the contracts radiating strong Beyonder fluctuations. George III slowly rose, toying with the Balam Imperial Crown in his hand, a cold sneer playing on his lips:
"There's no need to drag this on. At least nominally, Loen has won the victory in East Balam under my leadership. My subjects will cheer for this victory."
"And I will accommodate the final Uniqueness in the name of the Emperor. Even without feedback from the Balam colonial areas, the remaining anchors are enough for me to Shock the Black Emperor's godhood. No one can stop me!"
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Berserk Sea, the former Bansy Island has completely disappeared, replaced by a sea area shrouded in war mist.
The colorful oil painting world flashed by, and Aaron emerged from the Spirit World, his eyes turning dark gold as he scrutinized the mist not far away.
As if sensing the aura of the Nation of Disorder, the originally calm mist instantly became restless, with countless shriveled heads dragging spinal bones continuously emerging.
"As expected, this place has gone out of control. The power infiltrated by the City of Calamity can already respond to prayers and bestow blessings. However, limited by the Western Continent's seal, the actual impact on reality is confined to this sea area…"
Feeling the shift in order, Aaron understood. Ignoring the mist surging towards him, he lightly flicked the Star Crown on his head. As starlight dispersed, his figure instantly vanished, and in the next second, he appeared on the Black Emperor, which was cruising in the nearby sea area.