The Right Eye Killed the Tongue

Isaiah narrowed his eyes.

Lai Er's words made him feel a bit strange.

This guy seemed to be looking for trouble with the Black Merchant, rather than coming to him... Why was that?

Of course, what puzzled Isaiah even more was Lai Er's current state.

His power was leaking, his blood was boiling, pushing all his life force to its peak, as if his very soul was burning fiercely to maintain this power.

This was what Isaiah's Right Eye saw.

Isaiah knew that some esoteric sect sorceries could temporarily boost power through similar means, but none could reach a level that even surprised him.

"It seems you indeed have many secrets," Isaiah said slowly. "Once I capture you, I will..."

Before he could finish, with a swish, Lai Er had already lunged in front of Isaiah.

So fast!

Isaiah was slightly surprised. With such speed, it was no wonder he could bloodbath the entire Black Merchant headquarters in such a short time.

And Star Relic warlocks were generally not good at dealing with such opponents.

But Isaiah was an exception. After obtaining this eye, nothing in this world could escape his sight anymore.

Moreover, as soon as he saw Lai Er, Isaiah had already prepared. He waved his hand, and a spherical space, like a celestial body, began to expand rapidly outward from him.

When Lai Er stepped into this space, his originally swift pace suddenly became heavy, as if his entire body was filled with lead.

[Arcane Art: Starfall Heel]!

This was Isaiah's signature technique, and its effect was simple and brutal. Within this celestial space, all beings except him would face ten times the gravity!

"Crack, crack."

A series of bone-cracking sounds rang out, naturally from Lai Er's body.

Under ten times gravity, Lai Er's impact was not merely a slowdown. A normal human body would instantly collapse under such a sudden increase in gravity.

Bones shattered, blood vessels exploded, eyeballs bulged.

Isaiah had lost count of how many bodies had disintegrated under his arcane art. Lai Er was no exception now; his body exhibited the same symptoms, his entire frame on the verge of falling apart.

But this situation only lasted for a fleeting moment, so fast that in Isaiah's vision, Lai Er merely paused slightly, like someone stepping on a pebble while running. He stumbled but didn't fall, continuing forward.

Any other Star Relic warlock would likely be bewildered, thinking their arcane art had failed.

But Isaiah would not. His Right Eye allowed him to see clearly that Lai Er's bones had indeed shattered in that instant, the blood from his ruptured blood vessels had flowed back, and his bulging eyeballs were just about to detach.

Yet, in the next moment, Lai Er returned to normal. His shattered bones healed, the blood that had burst from his vessels receded, and his eyeballs settled back into their sockets.

Isaiah was certain this was definitely not the effect of any healing spell.

Furthermore, even if it were healing, it only happened once on Lai Er's body.

Keep in mind, he was still within the Starfall Heel, still under the effect of ten times gravity, but his body seemed to have adapted.

Truly a monster beyond anything he had ever heard of.

However, Lai Er's speed had indeed slowed down, allowing Isaiah to quickly retreat and maintain a relatively safe distance from Lai Er for the time being.

He then waved his right hand again. His pure white mage robe swept through the Starfall space in an arc, as if a deity creating the world, leaving behind specks of brilliant stars in the monotonous darkness.

And thus, the sea of stars was formed.

Isaiah drew a scepter from the brilliant sea of stars. The tip of the scepter held the hottest star, and the moment it appeared, the cold Starfall space gained warmth.

"How can mortals challenge the stars?"

Isaiah pointed the scepter at Lai Er, and in an instant, the sky full of celestial bodies turned into shooting stars, "falling" towards Lai Er.

"Die here."

Isaiah said word by word.

But Lai Er continued to run forward as if he felt nothing.

Oh? Do you intend to resist with your physical body?

Isaiah raised an eyebrow.

Are you overestimating yourself, or underestimating the stars?

Very well, since you are so indifferent to the power of the stars, let me let you experience it.

Experience the despair mortals feel when they look up and see a sky full of falling meteors!

Isaiah lightly tapped the scepter, and the celestial bodies, which were falling rapidly, began to ignite one after another. The sky full of fireballs lit up the starry sky, turning the entire Starfall space into a scorching furnace!

"Sleep eternally!"

Isaiah declared with immense grandeur, like a living god.

Only gods could control the stars!

And mortals were destined to be unable to contend with gods!

However, just before those celestial bodies landed on Lai Er's body, Isaiah heard a low voice say, "Retrieve."

His pupils constricted slightly.

It was merely an extremely simple word, with no special characteristics, something even a one-year-old child could say, yet Isaiah felt an irresistible power within it.

This power surpassed him, surpassed the stars, and surpassed the gods.

It was as if it was above everything.

So much so that before Isaiah's brain could even react, his body responded first—he abruptly shifted the scepter pointed at Lai Er, pointing it at the ground instead.

The torrent of meteors about to engulf Lai Er changed direction at the last moment, abruptly turning ninety degrees in mid-air and smashing downwards in a manner that defied all reason.

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!

Meteors fell, and the earth trembled.

The Black Merchants, whom Lai Er had killed earlier, could not even rest in peace now. In an instant, they vaporized in the extreme heat, leaving not even a trace behind.

The massive Black Merchant headquarters instantly turned into ruins, the rising flames seeming to warp even the air.

Under such an assault, no living being should have survived.

Except for Isaiah, who considered himself a god in this space.

And Lai Er, who had just distorted the will of a god.

This is… the power of the Tongue!

Isaiah finally came to his senses, but it was too late. Lai Er had already charged in front of him.

And he, due to the last-minute change in the meteors' landing point, had suffered a great backlash himself, rendering him unable to recover immediately.

This is bad.

Isaiah could only watch helplessly as Lai Er reached out, grabbing his head.

Before he could even struggle.

With a "shlurp."

Lai Er tore his head off.

Blood gushed out like a torrent, and the sea of stars collapsed.

Isaiah's body swayed, and then he fell straight down.

"Isaiah... was killed just like that?!" Carter, who was watching from afar, widened his eyes, his face filled with disbelief. "How is that possible? He's the number one person in the world right now, and he was killed just like that?"

"Star Relic Warlocks are always at their best in theory." Diana, inhabiting Carter's body, looked up at the starry night sky. "The starscape tonight is not favorable to him. Tomorrow night is the Spotless Night, and it's when he prepared to fight the Tongue to the death, but this decisive battle has been moved up. But even so, Isaiah shouldn't have been killed. He clearly had the advantage just now..."

Under normal circumstances, outsiders couldn't see what was happening inside the Starfall, but Diana currently possessed [Gaze] won from her hands. The servant's body was an extension of her will, so she could see the situation inside very clearly.

Thus, she had personally witnessed Isaiah, who had the advantage, being suddenly counter-killed by Lai Er.

It truly happened in an instant. One second, Isaiah's Starfall was about to land, and Lai Er looked like he couldn't hold on, but the next second, Isaiah's head was in Lai Er's hand.

Such suddenness was like a piece of garbage plot described by a third-rate author. If it were an ordinary person, they truly wouldn't understand what happened, why Isaiah's Starfall suddenly went off course.

But Diana saw it. Lai Er's lips moved.

He said something.

Diana narrowed Carter's eyes slightly.

Could it be… the Tongue's [Rule]?

The reason for using a question mark was that Diana couldn't be 100% sure. The [Forbidden Book] did not fully record the rules of Visas's corpse fragments. Only those that were clearly held by a certain church and thoroughly researched would be recorded in detail, such as Rhine's three pieces (left middle finger, right thumb, left eye) and Holy Sound's piece (ear).

But the Tongue had been lost for a long time. Even Contract Land only vaguely knew that it had fallen into Lyra's Land of Corruption, causing a series of disturbances afterward, but no one could clarify its true rules.

However, based on the connection between each rule and its corresponding corpse fragment, coupled with the situation Lai Er had just displayed, Diana could only think of one possibility.

Lai Er controlled Isaiah's actions with his words, forcing him to misdirect the Starfall.

If that were the case, what a terrifying rule it would be, influencing others without their knowledge.

Wait, if that's the case…

Diana suddenly thought of something chilling.

In Peach Blossom Paradise, had the Tongue used this rule on them? Was she currently under the influence of this rule?

"Master?" Carter sensed Diana's emotional fluctuations. "What's wrong?"

The [Contract] rule was not bidirectional. As a servant, Carter could not hide anything from Diana, his master; his body and mind were completely exposed. However, the master did not need to go to such lengths with the servant. Thus, Diana did not voice her concerns, merely saying "It's nothing." Carter didn't pry further and just asked, "What should we do now?"

"The Tongue killing Isaiah is a troublesome matter, especially with the Gathering about to convene," Diana said. "Especially for the Star Relic Faction, they will definitely demand an explanation from Contract Land, but that has nothing to do with me. What I need to consider now is... hmm, wait."

Diana widened Carter's eyes.

"What's going on? Isaiah's aura... it's back?!"

"He's not dead yet!"

Lai Er, holding Isaiah's head, panted heavily, his body trembling.

His blood was almost depleted, and the Domination earlier had only accelerated the process.

But he hadn't taken all the Black Merchants from Nameless Town yet, which wouldn't do.

He had to completely utilize the power Visas-sama lent him, to eliminate any future trouble.

But just then, he felt the weight in his hand suddenly lighten.

He lowered his head and saw Isaiah's head turning to dust in the wind, soon nothing would be left in his hand.

Lai Er was somewhat bewildered. Before he could even process it, the shattered stones on the ground and the scattered energy around them began to converge again.

Everything before his eyes seemed to be rewinding at high speed, as if a playback button had been pressed.

The previously collapsed Starfall space also reformed, and Lai Er was once again transported from reality into the sea of stars.

Lai Er whipped his head around and saw Isaiah standing perfectly fine behind him, no different from before… no, that wasn't right.

That eye!

Lai Er saw Isaiah's Right Eye, which was currently releasing endless energy like a black hole.

"What a powerful rule," Isaiah said softly. "With my own strength alone, I would have truly been killed by you… Ah, you don't need to try again. I've already plugged my ears, and I won't listen to a single word you say anymore."

Isaiah tapped his ear with a finger, then sighed.

"As expected, Visas's power is above all else. Whether it's the stars or divine power, neither can compare to a few words he casually utters."

"How could such power not inspire awe?"

"Fortunately, rules also have their own hierarchy and strength. The rule I possess…" The sea of stars in Isaiah's Right Eye began to flow, "…is still superior to yours."

"Remember, my rule is called…"

"Eternity."

"He really came back to life," Carter murmured, watching the reconstructed Starfall space in the distance. "How on earth did he do that? He was definitely dead in that situation. I didn't feel any fluctuations of magic or divine power."

Diana didn't speak, but she was also solemn.

Because she was absolutely certain that Isaiah had been dead moments ago, with no life force remaining.

No matter what method Isaiah used, he couldn't escape her gaze.

It couldn't be any kind of magic or divine art either. At least, Diana didn't know of any magic or divine art that could revive someone after their life force had completely vanished.

Unless…

Diana could only think of one possibility.

At that moment, Carter sensed something and turned his head to look in another direction.

"Master, someone is approaching."

To be pushed to this point.

Isaiah was in a terrible mood because he didn't want to reveal the existence of his Right Eye, especially in such a public setting.

That's why he had been fighting with the strength expected of a Star Relic Warlock, to hide this eye.

But he had overestimated himself and was instantly killed by Lai Er.

Yes, he had truly died just now, only to be pulled back by his Right Eye.

This wasn't resurrection, nor was it some advanced healing spell. It was the rule of his Right Eye – Eternity.

Isaiah used this eye to freeze and replicate the most brilliant starry sky of the past century, allowing him to fight under such a sky forever.

But what this eye preserved wasn't just that starry sky; it also preserved Isaiah himself, who was looking up at the stars at that very moment.

This was the true meaning of eternity.

Of course, this came at a cost.

Black blood overflowed from Isaiah's eye, and his already aged body paid further for this price.

But that wasn't the crucial point. The key was that Isaiah never wanted to expose the existence of this eye. Otherwise, he would have had ten thousand ways to kill Lai Er.

Fortunately, before Isaiah fought Lai Er, Lai Er had already killed most of the living people in the area. Besides one or two bewildered Black Merchants, there shouldn't be many others who saw what happened.

Otherwise, Isaiah would have had to personally silence them after the battle.

So, what about next?

Isaiah could sense many people approaching the area, likely support troops from other churches or Contract Lands.

This meant Isaiah absolutely couldn't expose his eye, so he had to continue hiding his strength.

Fortunately, Isaiah had also noticed Lai Er's problem – he was close to death.

Isaiah was certain that Lai Er's current power was indeed gained by burning his soul. Although he didn't know why Lai Er was doing this, he knew Lai Er couldn't hold on much longer.

If nothing unexpected happened, Lai Er would die from his soul burning out the moment the support troops arrived.

Then, all Isaiah had to do was hold out until then, and then make a move that was consistent with his current strength. This way, he could claim sole credit for killing the Tongue without arousing any suspicion.

With that thought, Isaiah slowly retreated, his body quickly merging into the sea of stars.

"It's time to end this," Isaiah said to Lai Er. "You'll help me with the final performance."

Lai Er had indeed reached his limit. He couldn't even hear what Isaiah was saying, only stubbornly wanting to take down this last Black Merchant.

So he charged at Isaiah, his movements still fast. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Isaiah.

But he lunged at empty air; Isaiah had disappeared.

Before him lay a boundless sea of stars.

"I have already become a single star," Isaiah's voice came from all directions. "With your vision, you won't be able to find me in this sea of stars."

Indeed, just as Isaiah had said, Lai Er was faced with countless stars.

How many were there? A thousand, or ten thousand?

Lai Er didn't know. He could only attack wildly in this sea of stars like a headless fly, but it was all in vain.

"Give up," Isaiah said. "You don't have eyes like mine, so everything you do is futile."

The moment his voice fell, a shooting star flashed, piercing Lai Er's calf.

Bone shattered, and blood gushed out.

But the wound did not heal as it had before.

"As expected, you've reached your limit," Isaiah said leisurely. "Give up, your soul is like a candle in the wind."

Lai Er did not give up and charged forward again.

"Almost there!"

The church trio was rapidly approaching.

After entering Nameless Town, they were constantly shocked by the tragic scenes around them. Mina, in particular, was filled with anxiety.

Because after entering, she realized that the Star Array had not been activated, and tonight was a clear night with few stars, a night where not much stellar energy could be drawn.

What was going on? Hadn't her teacher prepared to make a move tonight?

But why hadn't she seen even the slightest trace of preparation?

Did her teacher no longer intend to hide the existence of the eyes?

Mina couldn't understand and could only quicken her pace.

Finally, she saw her teacher's Starfall Space and breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter what had happened, as long as the Starfall Space was still there, it meant her teacher was still in control of the situation.

The Starfall Space was a power her teacher could use without relying on the stars. As long as the battle could be resolved within it, there would be no...

But at that moment, Mina saw a brilliant light illuminate the interior of the Starfall Space.

Lai Er's body was covered in wounds, but not much blood flowed out.

Because his blood was almost burned dry.

He had only a breath left, yet he still couldn't find Isaiah's avatar in the vast sea of stars.

"I told you," Isaiah's voice rang out again. "With your vision, you cannot see me."

Lai Er's face was filled with unwillingness.

And just then, Bai Wei's voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't rush, look slowly."

The moment the voice fell, Lai Er's vision became clear.

The sky full of stars no longer concealed, the boundless night sky no longer confusing.

Everything was so clear, so bright.

All things fell into his sight.

He turned his head and saw the brightest star among them.

It was as if he could pluck it at any moment.

And by the time Isaiah realized Lai Er wasn't just randomly attacking this time, Lai Er was already in front of him, his finger just a few centimeters away from Isaiah's Right Eye.

He found me?!

How is this possible?!

Isaiah's heart was filled with horror.

But Isaiah, who had been distracted while thinking about how to explain to the other church members when they arrived, was now too late to change positions.

Lai Er's speed far surpassed his, and his eyes seemed like stars that could be plucked at will in front of Lai Er.

Intense fear and anger surged into his heart.

How dare you touch my eye!

His body instinctively responded, and the power he had always hidden poured out at this moment.

The stars he embodied emitted the ultimate light and heat, like a true sun.

The sun collapsed.

At this moment, the entire Starfall space was filled with the purest white light, then it violently surged into the real night sky, illuminating it. Anyone who dared to look directly would be instantly blinded. The scattered power could be clearly sensed by the entire Nameless Town... no, even De La Town, a thousand miles away.

When everything ended, the Starfall space dissipated.

Only Isaiah remained standing in his original spot.

Everything that had been in the Starfall space before – the destroyed buildings, the scattered corpses, and Lai Er, who had almost taken his eye – were gone.

The universe they were in had been destroyed by Isaiah, so naturally, everything fell silent.

But Isaiah felt no joy of victory, only an unspeakable palpitation.

It wasn't because Lai Er had almost taken his eye; even if Lai Er had ten thousand more chances, he still wouldn't be able to take his eye. Their strength was not even comparable.

The reason for his palpitation was the only thing that hadn't turned to nothingness before him – a finger.

Isaiah picked up the finger, and the palpitation gradually turned into... fear.

Why was it... a finger?!

When Diana looked towards Isaiah again, he was already surrounded by a group of Church Knights and guardians of the Contract Land.

The brilliant light from before had caused Diana, who had a clearer vision, even greater damage, requiring a longer recovery time than usual. So by the time she looked again, the battle was already over.

"Master..." Carter was shocked by the power Isaiah displayed. "What was that just now..."

Although she hadn't seen the very end, Diana was already certain.

"Isaiah is the Right Eye," Diana said softly. "He killed the 'Tongue'."

"So, he now has four body parts."

Diana paused.

"Next, we'll see how many he's willing to hand over."