Viscous darkness surged above the formation diagram, gradually drifting toward its edge. As soon as it left the diagram's range, part of the darkness evaporated. Without the diagram supplying energy, this source-less darkness could not exist.
"Mortal, I accept your offering."
A low voice came from within the darkness.
Su Xiao did not answer. He merely took several steps back, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.
"Do not panic. Continue offering these 'stones,' and I will make you my spirit sacrifice."
"Spirit sacrifice..."
Su Xiao showed obvious 'confusion' and was extremely wary. The confusion was naturally fake, but the wariness was genuine. Some of the bait had already been swallowed, and he could not afford to lose the rest.
Moreover, he had just killed an Ancient God believer. He could not show any familiarity with the Extinction God Cult, or he would expose himself.
Right now, he had to play the part of a young man with some strength who had only recently gone out to sea and was pursuing the mysterious—someone very easy to take advantage of.
Given Su Xiao's age and appearance, he did not need to disguise anything else. Only the 'easy to take advantage of' part was not easy to act out.
"Send the stones on the ground into... these rings."
The Ancient God might never have seen an alchemical formation diagram before, so he called it a ring.
"Speaking in terms of principles, I can't do that."
"Hmm? You wish to defy a god?"
The Ancient God was clearly displeased.
"Once the formation diagram is activated, I'll die if I enter that area."
"..."
The Ancient God fell silent. His lack of knowledge about Alchemy was a serious weakness.
The darkness surged for a moment before stopping at the edge of the formation diagram. It