East of Jiangyang, an earthquake several months earlier had split the earth into an abyss, leaving a deep wound stretching for miles across what had once been a level plain.
Standing at the edge of the rift and looking down, one saw only pitch-black darkness. If a light was brought close in an attempt to illuminate it, the light would dissipate on its own as soon as it shone into the rift.
Deep, sinister killing intent billowed ceaselessly from the rift like steam rising from boiling water. The land on either side had taken on an unnatural iron-gray hue. Listening closely, one could hear something immense grinding and colliding deep within.
Shen Dezheng stood quietly beside the rift, still clad in black iron armor. Behind him, several attendants guarded a milling crowd of mortals bound with a silver rope. At a glance, there were several hundred of them.
Shen Dezheng held the silver rope. He sighed, hesitation flickering across his weathered face, but finally made up his mind. Magical power surged and crimson lightning raced as he hurled the rope into the rift.
The rope plunged swiftly into the depths, as though something were pulling it. The mortals burst into screams and sobs as they were dragged, one after another, into the lightless abyss below.
Shen Dezheng watched intently. The surging darkness swiftly swallowed the mortals, leaving not a sound.
[Abyssal Radiance Aspect].
Shen Dezheng silently recited the deity's honored name and sensed a faint response from the rift below. Images of several people reached him: Li Jinzhi and his companions from before, their faces and figures somewhat blurred.
There was also the evil being from the Listening Rain Gate, a mass of black vapor mingled with bloody rain. Its cultivation had actually reached Foundation Establishment. Following behind it was