"Watch closely, kid, this is what you call Thunder Battle Cry!"
Gustavo's low growl echoed in Victor's ears, and the latter's attention was uncontrollably drawn to it.
"This is..."
In Victor's view, the Black Hole that Gustavo had transformed into was spinning rapidly. At its edge, countless particles invisible to the naked eye were frantically rubbing against each other, generating electric current. Little by little, they accumulated and in the blink of an eye, they condensed into a dazzling ball of lightning.
That wasn't all. The lightning bolts that had just been Black Hole: Devour were also expelled, forming a beam of lightning that seemed to pierce the earth and penetrate the entire Savage Star together with the endlessly spinning ball of lightning!
Rumble!!
The deafening roar finally erupted long after the lightning bolts had pierced through the heavens and earth. All living beings that heard the sound trembled uncontrollably, as if they had encountered a natural enemy.
If the aftershocks were so terrifying, Lightning Jasper, who faced the attack head-on, fared even worse. His entire body was shattered, and he was forced to use the Ether Power to reassemble his physical body, but his power was also greatly weakened. His gaze towards Gustavo was filled with fear and confusion.
With a whoosh, lightning bolts shot forth, traversing thousands of kilometers in an instant, clearly attempting to escape.
Although it was only a single exchange, Jasper already understood that he was no match for this spider monster. He had finally managed to cultivate to the level of Level Seven Fate Master, and although he was only at the initial stage, a bright future awaited him. He absolutely could not die.
"Although that monster has formidable attack power, its speed is probably inferior to mine. In the entire Star God Realm, there are very few attributes that can rival the lightning element in speed..."
Speeding across the sky, covering a million meters in an instant, Jasper thought nervously.
However, the next second, his wishful thinking was ruthlessly shattered. Before his eyes, Black Hole that blotted out the sky stood, like Abyss that was impossible to cross.
"It's over..."
As the last thought flashed through his mind, everything plunged into darkness. Lightning Jasper, an elder of the Secret Art Spiral Cult, had fallen!
Several days have passed in the blink of an eye.
Continent of Stars.
The Central Capital.
The towering city walls stand above the sea of clouds, where spirited Star Guards can be seen patrolling the four directions from time to time.
This super city, originally built by the World King himself, is not just a building; it is also a weapon of war. When fully activated, it can easily annihilate Level Eight Saint- level Fate Master.
More than two thousand years ago, World King fell, and the Dynasty of Stars lost its greatest deterrent force. The role of this super war fortress cannot be ignored in the fact that it has been able to survive for so long.
It was early morning.
As the sun rises in the east, its light illuminates the mountains and rivers, and the warm morning light shines through the palace dome onto the exquisite and grand floor, making the entire hall more magnificent and less cold.
Looking around, thousands of court officials were divided into more than a dozen rows, their clothes of different colors, some gorgeous and some plain.
The courtiers at the front had seats, while those behind them had to stand and were not even given the opportunity to speak.
On the throne, Frederick III, ruler of the Dynasty of Stars had lived for nearly two hundred years, listened to reports from his ministers on various affairs. His expression was solemn, and his demeanor was dignified, making him appear to be a wise and benevolent monarch.
"Your Majesty, numerous Fate Master Sect within the Silver Crown Star System have launched a rebellion, wreaking havoc across cities. The Star God Lineage has suffered heavy losses, especially on the Savage Star. Of the fifty Grand Star Envoy, thirty-seven are dead, and most of the remaining thirteen are wounded. Even the Savage Star God has been forced to hold out in the Star God Temple awaiting reinforcements, suffering severe damage. Such an event is unheard of since the founding of the dynasty. We must send troops to suppress this rebellion with overwhelming force, annihilating the rebels and eradicating every vermin hiding in the shadows!"
The one who stepped forward to speak was the dynasty's Minister of War, who commanded the Star Guards and the dynasty's troops. His every word and action was filled with fierce spirit, like a raging fire.
His words were met with approval from the vast majority of court officials.
On the throne, Frederick III's pupils contracted sharply upon hearing the Minister of War's words, but he quickly regained his composure and turned to look at the high priest beside him.
Dressed in a long black robe, holding a wooden staff, and with his face shrouded in Mist, this is the image of Jax, the High Priest of the Dynasty of Stars. At first glance, he resembles an elusive cloud on the horizon, or the deep and boundless Starry Sky.
"High Priest, what is your opinion on this matter?" Frederick III asked.
"The Minister of War is right. Rebellion can only be suppressed with iron fist. Otherwise, it will not be enough to inspire the people or Intimidation those with ambitions." The High Priest slammed his cane heavily on the ground and coldly shouted.
Upon hearing this, Frederick III's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he exclaimed, "The High Priest, as the founder of the Apocalypse Cult, is able to act impartially and prioritize the dynasty in all matters. He truly is a pillar of the dynasty. Therefore, this matter will be entrusted to you. What do you say?!"
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I assure you, the Silver Crown Star System will soon be pacified. Anyone who dares to rebel will have their soul extracted and burned day and night, their corpse displayed on the walls of the capital!"
Sen Sen's words swept through the court like a chilling current, causing all the courtiers who heard them to shudder and secretly marvel at the high priest's overwhelming murderous aura.
The meeting is over.
All court officials withdrew from the main hall in an orderly manner.
The high priest then followed Frederick III to the harem.
Inside the room, heavily sealed by various Fate Art, Frederick III removed his disguise, his face grim. He said, "The Savage Star is in chaos, and even the entire Silver Crown Star System is in turmoil. Is this the price of immortality the High Priest spoke of?"
Your Majesty is wise.
The High Priest bowed slightly. "I have already told you that to prolong life, one must sacrifice one's fortune and borrow life force. Devouring Fortune is essential. Once the Fortune of the human race in a certain region is devoured, various disturbances will inevitably arise in that region. This is the inevitable price, sooner or later."
"Isn't there a way to have the best of both worlds? Today it's the Silver Crown Star System, but what about tomorrow? The day after? If we lose the Dynasty of Stars, even if we successfully extend our lifespan, what's the point of living?" Frederick III murmured, his face pale. He wasn't stupid; on the contrary, having held the throne for nearly two hundred years, the old man's political skills were top-notch.
However, longevity without the support of power brings not only wealth and supreme authority, but also a heart that is gradually corrupted.
Compared to his wise and powerful self a century ago, Frederick III, though still adept at political maneuvering, is now as fragile as a rat in a gutter.
Despite the swirling Mist, the High Priest remained calm. He said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. This is merely a disturbance in one star system. As long as the Apocalypse Cult intervenes, everything will be foolproof. Once the Silver Crown Star System is pacified again and the Fortune converge once more, the cost will naturally disappear."
"The Apocalypse Cult... is ultimately somewhat isolated. Let the Star Guards go with them as well," Frederick III said. Although he was able to extend his lifespan entirely thanks to the High Priest, his imperial instincts still compelled him to delegate power as much as possible and curb the High Priest's expansion of influence.
"I will obey your command."
The high priest remained silent, behaving obediently and appearing utterly loyal.
Seeing this, Frederick III felt somewhat better and couldn't help but sigh, "This world is so unfair to me. Just extending my lifespan is so troublesome; I have to devour the dynasty's Fortune. Alas..."
The High Priest bowed slightly. "Your Majesty is the ruler of the human race. The Fortune of countless kin rests upon your shoulders, an unbearable burden that has also severed your path of cultivation. To attain immortality is a billion times more difficult than for ordinary people. It was only by chance that I conceived of a method to extend your lifespan."
"Alas, in the end, it is these countless subjects of the dynasty who have dragged me down!"
Headquarters of the Apocalypse Cult.
This is a magnificent architectural complex that rivals a royal palace, with golden bricks and green tiles, precious jewels and pendants, and an extremely rich concentration of Ether Power. Everywhere there are rare and exotic flowers and herbs that are hard to find in the outside world; any one of them can be exchanged for a large amount of cultivation resources.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of the Apocalypse Cult's wealth.
Beneath the murals depicting thousands of different figures of Fate Master, Atonis, the leader of the Apocalypse Cult, kneels respectfully.
"Greetings, teacher!"
"Yes, get up."
The high priest waved his hand, his tone much more natural than when he was in the palace, his emotions more genuine and full, as if he were speaking to his own child.
"Teacher, did it go smoothly?"
After standing up, Apocalypse Leader Atonis quickly asked.
"Still so impatient." The high priest chuckled and scolded, then nodded slightly in response to his disciple's question.
Upon seeing this, Atonis's face lit up with ecstasy. "Excellent! With the order personally issued by the dynasty, our Apocalypse Cult can now legitimately enter the Silver Crown Star System and completely establish it as our base."
"This matter can be carried out steadily," the High Priest advised, then raised his voice slightly and asked, "How is the reform of the Fate Master Education Reform going?"
"Everything went smoothly. The people below even unexpectedly acquired a master apothecary. The potions he concocts will be of great use to our efforts in promoting the Fate Master Education Reform."
As he spoke, Atonis took out several doses of potions prepared by Logo and presented them to the high priest.
After inspecting them, the latter said with dissatisfaction, "Aren't these medicines just ordinary things? What's so special about them? Are you trying to fool your teacher?"
"Teacher, please don't worry. This is a list of ingredients for several potions. After you see it, you'll understand why I valued this master potion maker."
"Oh? Let me see it..."
After a short while, the high priest finished reviewing the lists of ingredients needed for several potion recipes. After a moment of silence, his tone became unusually serious. "We must protect this potion master; he cannot be lost. He is of great use to us!"
"Yes, don't worry."
Atonis quickly agreed, then asked, "Regarding the Realm King Token, do we need...?"
"Heh, send the Dark Demon Race to handle this matter. After so many years of training, it's time for them to contribute." The High Priest casually ordered.
"Clear!"