Eight black-clad figures wore red masks, their deep-set gazes shining through the two hollow eyeholes and converging on a black coffin.
The coffin trembled faintly, as though someone inside was about to emerge.
Bang!
With a thunderous crash, the coffin lid was slapped flying. A man in a black robe, also wearing a red mask, sat up from within the black coffin.
A powerful aura at the peak of the Tenth Layer of the Spirit Transformation Realm erupted from his body!
Yet that aura quickly withdrew.
Like the eight black-robed men hidden in the distant shadows, this black-robed man revealed nothing of himself, giving off an exceedingly low-key air.
"Greetings, brothers."
The black-robed man known as Ninth Brother flew into the shadows and cupped his fists to the eight men in salute.
"After plotting through long ages, we can finally take that final step!"
A black-robed man with an aged voice spoke slowly, his tone filled with excitement. "As long as we succeed, we will become true Ancient Demon Beasts and recreate the glory of the Six Ancients, who were once invincible in the Human Realm!"
The others were also beside themselves with excitement.
One of them urged repeatedly, "Big Brother, I've been waiting so long I can hardly stand it. Hurry up and begin!"
"Alright. Follow me."
The black-robed man addressed as Big Brother nodded silently. With a light wave of his hand, a deep opening appeared in the rock wall beside him. Then, with a flash, he was the first to rush inside.
The other eight followed in single file.
Before long, the nine of them appeared within a vast underground palace.
Inside the underground palace stood an ancient Altar.
With a flash, the nine figures appeared atop the Altar and sat down cross-legged.
The Altar activated, glowing