Slater observed the proper etiquette as he left the palace and returned to his temporary residence.
It was located within the city inside Malsheem Fortress.
After returning to his room, he swiftly took a rune array from his spatial equipment.
It was a rune array for communication. Once Slater had fully arranged it, he placed highly concentrated resources upon it and activated the array.
The next moment, the resources placed atop the rune array rapidly ignited, and a signal was transmitted from the array.
That signal passed through layer upon layer of Purgatory worlds before finally arriving at the heart of the Bronze Citadel, before Huo Ling.
Huo Ling closed his eyes and answered the summons.
Above the rune array before Slater, Huo Ling's projection appeared.
It was a magical image that could only be used for communication. This projection of Huo Ling possessed not the slightest bit of power.
Upon seeing Huo Ling's projection, Slater swiftly bowed and said respectfully, "My Lord, your servant is incompetent and has failed to complete your task."
Slater appeared exceptionally ashamed and remorseful.
Huo Ling was somewhat disappointed, but he still said, "Enough. I did not come to hear your confession. Tell me exactly what happened!"
Slater hastily began recounting the events, chiefly his exchange with Asmodeus.
As Slater spoke, Huo Ling occasionally interrupted him to ask for further details.
At last, Slater finished recounting the entire conversation.
Slater lowered his head and waited for Huo Ling to finish thinking.
Far away in Avernus, Huo Ling pondered after hearing the account.
He lowered his gaze. Below was a secret prison cell, where Zariel, imprisoned and tortured by Bael, remained trapped.
Huo Ling had even stationed a powerful Radiant Moon Legendary undead here as a guard.
Although Zariel was not currently being tortured, she