Chapter Seventy-Nine: The Divine Decree

The long blade slid back into its scabbard. Yang Fan, gasping for breath, was filled with both relief and suspicion. Relief, because he had somehow survived. Suspicion, because the black-robed man, clearly dressed as one from the Dark Realm, had ultimately spared his life.

Yang Fan knew well the power of his own lightning—enough to injure those of the same rank. But against someone of a higher level, that power was greatly diminished. The black-robed man just now was obviously not a mere Third Rank; with a single blow, he had sent Yang Fan flying. Even the most accomplished Third Rank warrior could not have accomplished that, for at the Third Rank, one’s strength was no longer measured by brute force. At that level, warriors opened the Sea of Qi, gathered their essence, and most of their abilities were concentrated in the dantian—the core of internal power. Physical might became a lesser concern.

Yet the force behind the black-robed man’s spear far surpassed Yang Fan’s own.

Steadying himself, Yang Fan departed at once. Who knew if that fellow might return?

...

The Ruins served as a two-way passage: one end led to Earth, the other to the Dark Realm.

As its name implied, the Dark Realm was a world without day or night, shrouded perpetually in darkness. It was vast beyond measure. Even a Tenth Rank powerhouse had once tried to explore it, only to abandon the attempt—there seemed to be no boundaries at all.

In the north of the Dark Realm, a cluster of magnificent palaces stood. In the main hall, carved entirely from black steel jade, dozens of towering figures were seated.

The chamber was silent, the atmosphere oppressive to the extreme.

Suddenly, a voice of authority shattered the stillness. “I have summoned all the kings and sect leaders here today to discuss a matter of great importance,” declared the man seated at the head.

“Grand Elder, is this about the other world again?” croaked a withered old man among the assembly.

“Over a decade ago, we suddenly established contact with that foreign world,” the old man continued in his rasping tone. “But their resources are meager, and their spiritual energy is far less abundant than ours in the Dark Realm. I see no reason to concern ourselves with it, yet Grand Elder, you seem unable to let go of that place.”

Beside him, a giant of a man, well over two meters tall, rumbled in agreement. “Indeed, I feel we need not care for such a barren world.”

At these words, the hall grew lively. The assembly began voicing their opinions, one after another.

A flash of displeasure crossed the Grand Elder’s eyes as he gazed upon the thirty-eight figures below him, but he quickly composed himself. As the voices quieted, he spoke again.

“The other world? I have no interest in their world, nor do I covet a realm so lacking in spiritual energy. But within that world lies something capable of reviving our god. My advocacy for conquest was always for the return of our deity.”

“The Dark God?” The withered elder was startled. “That world holds something that can awaken the Dark God?”

The rest of the assembly showed similar shock.

“Yes,” the Grand Elder affirmed. “Three thousand years ago, the Dark God fell into sudden slumber. A decade ago, when our two worlds collided and connected, the Dark God briefly awoke and told me: conquer that world, for within it lies what is needed for the god’s revival. That is why I have pressed for an invasion.”

Now, all thirty-eight were moved. The matter concerned the Dark God; it was no trivial affair. The Grand Elder watched as his audience exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, sighing inwardly.

In the years since the Dark God’s disappearance, countless dynasties and sects had risen. The authority of the Divine Assembly had waned, no longer the force it was when the Dark God presided. No longer did these powerful figures submit unquestioningly to its decrees.

His years of urging an invasion had yielded little effort from these people; progress had stalled. Not long ago, the Dark God awoke again, commanding the Grand Elder to seize the other world swiftly, for time was running short. Had it not been for this, he would not have gathered such untrustworthy people for counsel.

“Grand Elder, I wish to see the Dark God in person and receive the divine teachings myself,” declared one of the kings.

The Grand Elder’s brow furrowed in displeasure. “King Yu Tian, do you doubt my words?”

Yu Tian stepped forward. “I do not dare question you, Grand Elder. Yet this is a matter of grave importance. We all know the Dark God fell asleep three thousand years ago and has not been heard from since. Today, you suddenly announce that he has awoken and given you divine orders. Forgive my bluntness, but we have no proof of this but your word.”

The others quickly echoed his sentiment.

The Grand Elder could only sigh in resignation. After all, everyone knew the Dark God had long been asleep. Claiming a sudden awakening was bound to arouse skepticism among these kings and sect leaders.

“My lords, as Grand Elder of the Divine Assembly, would I dare to falsify the god’s decree? The Dark God awoke briefly, spoke only to me of the other world, and then returned to slumber—”

Before he could finish, Yu Tian interrupted, “So, according to you, we will not be able to see the Dark God ourselves?”

A flicker of anger flashed across the Grand Elder’s face. This King Yu Tian, to question the god’s will and his own authority!

At that moment, a force of overwhelming might descended upon the hall. Instantly, the assembled powers unleashed their own auras in response.

Suddenly, the Grand Elder dropped to his knees, crying, “We welcome our god’s arrival! We welcome the awakening of our god!”

The others hastily withdrew their auras and prostrated themselves. Even the confrontational Yu Tian pressed his head to the ground, his mind thrown into chaos. Has the Dark God truly awoken? Could it be true?

Then, a voice resounded, shaking the heavens and the earth:

“Assist the Grand Elder. Invade the other world. Seize the treasure at the world’s core. When I return, I shall grant you all eternal life!”

And with that, the oppressive force vanished as suddenly as it had come.

For a long time, none dared to rise.

At last, the Grand Elder stood and declared, “The divine mandate has been issued. Does anyone have further objections?”

The kings and sect leaders exchanged glances, then replied in unison, “We obey the divine command!”

The Grand Elder felt his spirits soar. After three millennia, these people had grown estranged from him, had begun to disregard the authority of the Assembly and himself as Grand Elder. Now, with the god’s imminent return, they had finally rediscovered the reverence they had long forgotten.

“Let us work together now, breach the other world, and welcome the return of our god!”

“Welcome the return of our god!”

“The return!”

...

Within the ruins, Yang Fan watched from a distance as Xie Guotao roasted meat with a long spear, his teeth clenched in fury.

By now, Yang Fan was convinced beyond doubt—the black-robed assailant who had attacked him not long ago was none other than that scoundrel Xie Guotao, in disguise.