Category: The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 376: “Times Have Changed, My Lord.”

“—!”

The moment Shien attacked, the Warfighters guarding Danas reacted instantly, rushing to his defense.

“Hum!”

With a tremor of magic power, a dark barrier appeared before the Warfighters, protecting both them and Danas.

“Boom!”

The raging flames, like a fiery storm, crashed against the barrier, creating a roaring sound before being blocked.

Waves of fire surged around the barrier, scorching the temple floor.

“Wha…!?”

The sudden change startled Oz and Maeve.

Shien, however, looked at the scene with a sneer, waiting until the flames dissipated and Danas and his group emerged from behind the barrier.

“…What is the meaning of this, Viscount Buztout?”

Danas’s expression remained unchanged, unfazed by the attack.

However, upon closer inspection, the smile in his eyes had vanished.

Shien, on the other hand, was smiling even more brightly than before, as if their positions had been completely reversed.

And Shien said,

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Don’t ask me why. You simply chose the wrong person.”

This reason was simple and crude, without any embellishment.

But when you got down to it, wasn’t that the case?

“I have no interest in conquering the world, let alone conquering the world with unfortunate ancient beings who were turned into victims.” Shien said nonchalantly. “Or rather, can’t you villains come up with something more interesting to persuade others to surrender? Always with the ‘conquering the world’ trope, painting a grand picture and expecting people to work for you. It’s so insincere.”

“…Is that so?” Danas was silent for a moment, then smiled. “I thought I was quite sincere, but it seems I wasn’t sincere enough in your eyes.”

“Isn’t that obvious?” Shien glanced at Danas, his expression turning sarcastic again. “If you were truly sincere, you would tell me about the human you’re cooperating with. Being so secretive and playing games, do you really think you can fool anyone?”

“So, you were referring to this.” Danas said as if suddenly realizing. “If you’re willing to break the seal now, I will definitely tell you about that human afterwards.”

“You still don’t understand.” Shien said with a smirk. “I mean, I don’t trust you, idiot.”

Danas’s smile finally vanished.

“…So, our negotiations have failed?”

Danas asked with an impassive face.

“Obviously.”

Shien replied without hesitation.

This was something that didn’t require any consideration.

Shien was already at odds with the Old Demon Faction, and he was also the Hero. Even without a grand ambition to save the world, as a condition for his second life, Shien would still help Nien deal with the Old Demon Faction.

Under such circumstances, Shien also had a deep relationship with Airi, and Airi deeply loathed the Old Demon Faction. They even came here together with the purpose of annihilating them. Now, this guy was trying to persuade him to cooperate with a ridiculously clichéd and unrealistic “conquering the world” offer?

Shien wanted to ask, had he ever seen a villain successfully persuade a protagonist with such a reason?

Besides…

“If I cooperate with you guys from the Old Demon Faction, my wife back in the royal capital probably won’t let me sleep in the same bed with her anymore.”

Shien shrugged.

“Times have changed, my lord.”

Shien’s words made Danas fall silent and Oz and Maeve, who had been listening to their conversation, breathe a sigh of relief.

Clearly, they were still worried that Shien would switch sides and help Danas break the seal.

Now, Shien had decisively turned against him.

In that case…

“Since that’s the case, I hope you can accept my hospitality and try your best to survive.”

Danas relaxed his face, as if no longer caring about Shien’s existence, and waved his hand.

With this wave, Shien and the others discovered that the evil beings that had emerged from the seal and were about to rush out of the temple suddenly turned their heads and looked at them.

The next second, their eyes flashed with ferocity.

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

The evil beings roared and charged towards Shien and the others.

“[Bestow: Fire].”

Shien instantly cast his magic, unleashing a large-scale AOE attack.

“Boom—!”

Flames erupted from around Shien, blasting away countless evil beings, engulfing them and burning them to ashes.

“I’ll help too!”

“Yeah! Let’s go!”

Oz and Maeve didn’t stand idly by. Instead, they rushed out from behind Shien and confronted the army of evil beings.

“Bang!” “Bang!” “Bang!” “Bang!” “Bang!”

Oz roared as usual, his fists like heavy meteorites, smashing any evil being that came into contact with them, scattering their flesh and blood, killing them instantly.

“Swish!” “Swish!” “Swish!”

Maeve transformed into a gust of wind, sweeping through the army of evil beings. Wherever she passed, claw strikes flashed, slicing the evil beings into pieces.

The two most powerful and skilled members of the beastmen priest group displayed their strength here, drawing away and blocking many evil beings.

As for Shien, he undoubtedly received the highest level of “treatment.”

“Swish!” “Swish!” “Swish!” “Swish!”

The four Warfighters appeared around Shien as if teleporting, surrounding him. Magic power surged in their hands, forming magic chains that they lashed out at Shien.

“I’ve seen this trick before.”

Shien calmly drew the Holy Sword from his waist. A moment before the magic chains hit him, his figure vanished.

“Over there!”

Danas, carrying the small, black-robed figure, was stunned for a moment, then immediately noticed something and gave orders to the Warfighters.

The Warfighters immediately turned and unleashed lightning at an empty spot.

Shien’s figure reappeared right there.

“Found me?”

Shien raised an eyebrow and stood still, letting the lightning strike him.

“Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang…!”

Amidst the roaring sounds, bolts of lightning struck Shien one after another, but they didn’t even scorch his clothes, vanishing the moment they touched him.

“Is that… a resistance skill?”

Danas instantly saw through the trick, his eyes flickering slightly.

It had to be said that the leader of [Mirage] had good eyesight and was quite intelligent.

Shien noticed that he was constantly touching the small Warfighter, the magical lifeform created using Beatrice as a prototype, as if sensing something through her.

Shien immediately understood.

“Using the magical lifeform to sense the evil aura in the temple and confirm my location?”

This seemed to be the reason why he could see through [Instant Movement].

“Then I’ll deal with you first.”

Capture the thief first, capture the king. Since Danas was weak and also the leader, not taking him down and fighting the others instead would be foolish.

“Evolve!”

Shien immediately activated the [Limit Evolution] skill, letting magic power course through his body, greatly enhancing his abilities. Then, he created a gust of wind and charged towards Danas.

Danas didn’t panic at all.

“Warfighters!”

Under Danas’s calm command, the four Warfighters appeared before Shien as if out of nowhere.

“Boom!”

A roaring sound echoed.

This time, it was the Warfighters who unleashed a large-scale AOE attack, flames transforming into fire dragons that charged towards Shien.

Shien narrowed his eyes, feeling the intense heat, and once again charged forward without dodging or evading, rushing into the flames.

The flames immediately engulfed Shien.

However, Shien completely ignored the flames, as if he wasn’t being burned by intense fire but caressed by a spring breeze. He passed through the sea of fire at an astonishing speed, appearing before the four Warfighters.

“Hum!”

A trembling sound came from the Holy Sword in Shien’s hand.

The red light of [Demon Sword] covered the Holy Sword’s blade. With a swing of his hand, Shien slashed at the four Warfighters.

This slash wasn’t aimed at just one person, but at all four Warfighters at once, with the momentum of sweeping away an army.

The four Warfighters wanted to raise their barriers and defend with magic, but they seemed to recall how their defensive magic had been instantly broken by Shien’s [Demon Sword] earlier. They immediately scattered like ghosts in all directions.

“Boom!”

The powerful [Demon Sword] sliced through the air. Although it missed its target, it still created a gust of wind that blew away the scattered Warfighters.

The Warfighters crashed to the ground, rolling several times before getting up and using their high-speed movement skills again, appearing before Danas like ghosts.

“Not bad, you know how to learn from your mistakes.”

Shien wasn’t satisfied with this result. Curling his lip, he held the Holy Sword imbued with [Demon Sword] and walked towards Danas.

Looking at Shien slowly approaching, Danas didn’t feel relieved but instead felt immense pressure.

“I see. So, the strength that allowed you to subjugate the [Assassination Branch] isn’t just a rumor?”

Danas realized how troublesome Shien was.

However, troublesome as he was, Danas still didn’t think he would lose.

“I can’t hold back anymore either.”

Danas took out a book.

“Huh?”

Shien stopped and let out a surprised sound.

Because as soon as the book in Danas’s hand appeared, a surprising phenomenon occurred before Shien’s eyes.

Chapter 375: “I’ll Consider Your Paralysis.”

“I’ll show you something.”

Danas suddenly said, then snapped his fingers.

As the sound of the snap echoed, another figure emerged from the shadows behind him.

The figure was petite, seemingly a child at first glance, also cloaked in a black robe, their face completely hidden.

However, Shien sensed a familiar magic power from the small figure, causing the expression on his face to disappear for the first time.

Not only Shien, but Oz and Maeve also seemed to sense something.

“Could that be…!?”

“How…”

Oz’s eyes widened, while Maeve was speechless.

“It seems you’ve noticed.” Danas said with a smile. “This is my latest creation. In order to create it, I’ve exhausted all my accumulated resources from the past few decades.”

In other words, it was a magical lifeform that Danas had recently created.

And this magical lifeform, besides consuming the precious materials Danas had accumulated over decades, also used something else.

“Did you use Beatrice’s magic power as a raw material to create this magical lifeform?”

Shien asked with an impassive face.

That was exactly what happened.

“As you know, creating a magical lifeform involves many uncertain factors.”

Danas explained.

“Many factors determine a magical lifeform’s abilities, characteristics, and even appearance.”

“The quality of the materials.”

“The level of the skills.”

“The creator’s imagination.”

“These factors influence the completeness of a magical lifeform and determine its abilities.”

“Because of this, even using the same materials and Bio-Creation Magic, it’s still unlikely to create identical magical lifeforms.”

Danas glanced at the four black-robed figures around him.

“These magical lifeforms of mine, I call them Warfighters. The [Symbiosis] skill they learned can only be acquired by individuals with a deep life connection, usually only twins or similar beings. Ordinary people can’t learn this skill, not even the Divine Race or the Demon Race. So, in order to create these four identical Warfighters, I practically exhausted all my efforts.”

Magical lifeforms above level eighty weren’t easy to create.

The materials required were probably astronomically expensive.

One could imagine how much effort Danas had put into creating these four magical lifeforms with the [Symbiosis] skill.

Moreover, there was the possibility of failure, or creating other magical lifeforms that couldn’t use [Symbiosis]. Spending all his wealth was definitely a prerequisite for completing these four Warfighters.

Shien could even imagine how many unscrupulous things Danas had done to create these Warfighters.

After all, he was a member of the Old Demon Faction, a lawless terrorist. It was impossible for him to achieve his goals without resorting to unorthodox methods.

What Danas wanted to say was that in order to create the magical lifeform he envisioned, he had to find another way.

How did he find another way?

It was simple.

“Creating a magical lifeform that is exactly as you imagine is extremely difficult, with only one exception, right?”

Shien said calmly.

“That’s right.” Danas nodded happily. “Only when the magic power of a reference object is added is there a high probability of creating a magical lifeform with the same appearance and even abilities as the owner of the magic power.”

This was something Shien could find even in the magic book library beneath the royal palace.

Since even Shien knew this, Danas, an expert in magical lifeforms, couldn’t possibly not know.

Therefore, Beatrice was kidnapped.

“My intention was only to collect some of her magic power. I wasn’t interested in her. Therefore, it was your fellow human who took her away from here, not me.”

Danas smiled, trying to clear his name, then patted the small black-robed figure’s head.

“This child is the creation I made using the magic power collected at that time. It is thanks to her that I can control the evil aura and the evil beings here, making them work for me.”

The reason why the Old Demon Faction occupying this place could ignore the threat of the evil aura and control the evil beings to a certain extent was finally revealed.

Because Danas possessed a magical lifeform created using Beatrice as a prototype, something like a replica of Lilith’s other half, he was able to achieve this.

However…

“Y-you actually created a replica of a god?”

Maeve was shocked.

“Impossible!”

Oz also exclaimed.

The reason was simple.

“How did you do it?” Shien looked directly at Danas. “Bio-Creation Magic can’t be used to create the Divine Race. Why did you succeed?”

This was incredibly bizarre.

Bio-Creation Magic was based on the birth process of demons and monsters.

Since demons and monsters were influenced by magic power and could be born through natural or artificial means, people developed Bio-Creation Magic based on this birth process.

But how were gods born?

They were split from the Supreme God Omniis, essentially Omniis’s offspring.

This way of existence was vastly different from other races.

Why was the number of gods fixed and unchanging?

Because, being born from Omniis, they only possessed the domains and powers they received at birth. Since domains were limited, their numbers were also limited.

They couldn’t reproduce, nor could they truly die. Even if they perished, as long as Omniis willed it, they could be resurrected at any time.

They were fundamentally different from other races, even their life forms were different. It was impossible to create replicas of them using Bio-Creation Magic.

This wasn’t a matter of the strength of the magic, but a matter of principle.

Therefore, no matter how many precious materials Danas consumed or how high his magic skill level was, it was impossible for him to achieve this.

However…

“It’s naturally impossible for true gods, but she is only a separated rationality. As long as the magic formula is adjusted, the fundamental principle of creation is reversed, and a new system is constructed, it’s not impossible.”

Danas’s nonchalant words left everyone speechless.

In other words, in order to achieve this goal, Danas had developed a magic spell specifically for creating magical lifeforms of the Divine Race.

It might not work on true gods, but if used on a god’s other half, it might succeed.

Of course, it was only a possibility.

There were indeed many uncertain factors in Bio-Creation Magic. Danas had exhausted all his efforts for the four Warfighters. Now, creating a god’s other half, even failure was normal.

“I was even prepared for a long struggle, spending another few decades to complete it. Who would have thought that the heavens would favor me, letting me succeed on my first try.”

Danas boasted about his good luck, making Shien finally abandon his dismissive attitude and take this member of the Old Demon Faction seriously.

He might be weak, but he possessed extraordinary perseverance, patience, and persistence. He was definitely not to be underestimated.

At least, he was now a real threat.

“I’m not really interested in Lilith. I’m more interested in your fellow human.”

Danas said.

“What I’m truly interested in are these followers of the evil god who were corrupted and completely fallen.”

He was referring to the crazed evil beings.

“Not only are these followers of the evil god numerous, but there are also some ancient super powerhouses who haven’t been released yet.” Danas’s eyes lit up. “When they are released and controlled by me, becoming my army, don’t you think no one in this world will be able to oppose me?”

Danas’s goal was now clear.

He wanted to control the ancient, sealed evil beings and use them for his own purposes.

“Are… are you crazy…!?”

Oz couldn’t help but exclaim.

“For such a purpose, you’re releasing Lilith and so many evil beings?”

Maeve also found it unbelievable.

Shien, on the other hand, understood Danas’s ambition.

“I see.” Shien said calmly. “Once Lilith is released, she will definitely spread her evil aura again like in ancient times, creating more corrupted and crazed beings, and those will become the army you control.”

Danas wouldn’t need to painstakingly conquer the world. He only needed to release Lilith and let her rampage.

When the time came, the land would turn into hell again, and all living beings would become evil beings. Then, he, who controlled Lilith’s magical lifeform, would reap the benefits, controlling those evil beings as his subordinates and taking over the world.

“The Six Demon Lords and the Three Goddesses probably won’t care about a small fry like me trying to take advantage of the situation. Their attention will be focused on Lilith, right?”

Danas finally said triumphantly.

“Is my plan feasible?”

Shien smirked.

“Whether it’s feasible or not, I don’t know.” Shien looked deeply at Danas. “But I understand why you’re wasting so many words on me.”

After saying so much, Danas actually just wanted to remind Shien of one thing.

“As long as Lilith is released, the world will be yours, right?” Shien sneered. “You want to convince me to join you and help you break Lilith’s seal, then you’ll give me a part of the world in the future, right?”

“As expected of Viscount Buztout.” Danas laughed. “How about it? Isn’t it worth considering?”

Danas’s words were met with a brilliant smile from Shien.

“I’ll consider your paralysis.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Shien’s magic power surged.

“Boom—!”

A burst of flames erupted from the ground, blasting towards Danas.

Shien attacked without hesitation.

Chapter 374: [Mirage]

“Welcome to the starting point of the new world, Viscount Shien Buztout.”

As this laughter rang out, several figures slowly emerged from the shadows in front of the temple.

Four of these figures were the black-robed members of the Old Demon Faction whom Shien had confronted earlier.

Like guards, they surrounded a person in a four-corner formation and walked out silently as the person moved.

In the center of their protection was another figure in a black robe, but with their hood down.

It was a demon who looked about Shien’s age, with an unhealthy pallor, resembling a frail noble, a gentle smile on his face.

Seeing this gentle-looking demon, Oz and Maeve exchanged glances, confusion in their eyes.

Shien also narrowed his eyes, a hint of surprise on his face.

“You’re the leader?”

Shien asked directly, his tone laced with doubt.

It couldn’t be helped.

Shien discovered that this demon, protected by four black-robed figures above level eighty with the [Symbiosis] skill, was only level ten.

Yes, level ten.

In other words, this demon was very weak, so weak that he didn’t seem like a member of the Demon Race, which was known for its strength.

The Demon Race had an absolute innate advantage in strength, even surpassing the Divine Race in this aspect.

Even a demon with low talent could grow to a level unattainable by ordinary humans.

When Shien first became an adventurer, the staff at the Adventurers’ Guild had told him that ordinary humans, as long as they had no defects, could reach level ten by adulthood.

Demons, on the other hand, were much stronger than humans. They could usually reach level thirty by adulthood, far surpassing humans.

As for the Divine Race, they didn’t have the concept of adulthood. They were born in their final form, which would never change.

In other words, the Demon Race had the greatest innate advantage among all races. Apart from children who hadn’t reached adulthood, it was almost impossible for a level ten demon to exist.

Now, the demon before Shien was only level ten and looked frail. He must be a good-for-nothing with the lowest talent among demons, right?

Such a person was actually the leader of the Old Demon Faction here?

This made Shien doubt it.

However, although this demon was only level ten, he had learned a skill that surprised Shien.

While Shien was feeling doubtful and surprised, the demon smiled unconcernedly.

“Allow me to introduce myself.”

The demon, like a true nobleman, bowed politely to Shien and spoke elegantly.

“My name is Danas, leader of the Old Demon Faction’s [Mirage].”

—[Mirage].

Was this the name of the Old Demon Faction’s branch here?

As Shien thought this, Danas spoke again.

“I’ve heard of your great name for a long time.” Danas said with a gentle expression. “The adventurer who subjugated the [Assassination Branch], the new generation noble who tamed a dragon, and the one who has connections with a Demon Lord of our Demon Race. Your name is very well-known among the Old Demon Faction.”

“Really?” Shien raised an eyebrow and said jokingly, “Is it the kind of fame where I’m on your hit list because I subjugated your colleagues, and you’re planning to eliminate me sooner or later?”

“Of course not.” Danas chuckled. “Even though we’re all part of the Old Demon Faction, we belong to different branches. Except for cooperation and alliances, the branches of the Old Demon Faction generally don’t interfere with each other, and sometimes even become enemies. Under such circumstances, no branch of the Old Demon Faction would target you because of a declining [Assassination Branch].”

Declining.

Indeed declining.

After the large-scale assassination in the royal capital ten years ago, the [Assassination Branch], which once had over a thousand members and was known as the largest branch of the Old Demon Faction, suffered heavy casualties, with less than one percent of its original size remaining. Lucy had told Shien about this.

The [Assassination Branch] was an Old Demon Faction branch that mainly focused on assassinations. They didn’t have any exceptionally powerful members. Even their leader, Bedo, was only level eighty-four and didn’t have a Unique Skill. If he hadn’t mastered high-level dark magic and mental magic, his leadership position might have been replaced.

Such an Old Demon Faction branch, after its decline, naturally wasn’t taken seriously by other branches of the Old Demon Faction, and no one would go to great lengths for them.

But…

“You seem to be causing me trouble right now.”

Shien said calmly.

Danas quickly shook his head.

“You’re joking. How could I possibly cause you trouble?”

Danas denied it.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know that Shien had already seen through his only learned skill with [Appraisal].

“Do you think I didn’t notice that although your level is low, you’ve already mastered [Bio-Creation Magic] to its maximum level?”

Shien said bluntly.

Not only Danas, but also Oz and Maeve reacted to Shien’s words.

“You’re saying he has the [Bio-Creation Magic] skill? And it’s maxed out?”

Maeve was stunned.

“Doesn’t that mean he can use Bio-Creation Magic, and his skill is very high?”

Oz’s expression also changed.

Both of them immediately understood how important this information was.

If this was true, it meant that although Danas was weak, he could use very advanced Bio-Creation Magic and create very high-quality magical lifeforms.

And unfortunately, when they were pursuing the mastermind who destroyed the spatial node and took Beatrice, they had encountered many magical lifeforms that had been abandoned.

The implication was clear.

“You were the one who used magical lifeforms as disposable tools, right?”

Shien exposed Danas.

But Danas put on an innocent look.

“I think you must have misunderstood.” Danas raised his hands and sighed somewhat theatrically. “Indeed, my only strength is creating magical lifeforms, but those magical lifeforms have already been lent out. It wasn’t me who was controlling them, but your fellow humans, Viscount Buztout.”

Fellow humans.

Meaning, humans.

This wasn’t a lie.

Elise had said that it was a human, not a demon, who destroyed the spatial node and kidnapped Beatrice.

Since it wasn’t a demon, it meant that Danas was telling the truth.

“I have some cooperation with that person, but it’s not a big deal. He gives me what I want, and I give him what he wants. That’s all.” Danas said sincerely. “If the magical lifeforms I created caused you any trouble, I can apologize. But I have no hostility towards you. I hope you understand this clearly.”

Danas’s attitude towards Shien was extremely friendly.

But from the way he completely ignored Oz and Maeve, it could be seen that this person wasn’t as polite and gentle as he appeared on the surface, but rather arrogant and self-centered.

Shien didn’t mind chatting with him more.

Because the more they talked, the more Shien would learn.

For example…

“I think I understand why your level is so low now.” Shien curled his lip. “It’s not that you lack talent, but you’ve devoted all your energy to Bio-Creation Magic, resulting in your own lack of growth and training, preventing your level from increasing, right?”

Shien’s gaze swept over the four black-robed figures.

“These four treasures are the magical lifeforms you created, which is why they obey you without question, right?”

Shien’s words were met with a confirming smile from Danas.

“I’m not good at fighting, and my talent is very average. Even if I trained until I died, I probably wouldn’t achieve much, just become an insignificant member of the weak, lower-ranking demons, fading into obscurity.” Danas shrugged, seeming helpless yet lighthearted. “Fortunately, I have some talent in Bio-Creation Magic. Every time I level up while practicing it, I gain quite a few skill points.”

Generally speaking, the number of skill points a person could obtain depended on their talent and the outcome of their battles.

Those with exceptional talent and potential could gain quite a few skill points. The more talented they were, the more skill points they would gain upon leveling up.

If they leveled up after experiencing a life-or-death battle, they would usually gain a considerable amount of skill points, reflecting the importance of growth in battle.

But there were also some people who were extremely specialized, possessing unparalleled talent in one or two aspects but being mediocre in others. When they focused on their strengths, they would usually experience extraordinary growth.

Like Danas, if he had extraordinary talent in Bio-Creation Magic, his growth would be very slow when he worked hard in other areas. But if he focused on Bio-Creation Magic, he would gain exceptional improvement.

Therefore, Danas must have been diligently practicing Bio-Creation Magic. So, every time he leveled up while practicing it, he would gain a lot of skill points. Moreover, since he was talented in this area, the number of skill points required for leveling up was probably not high, allowing him to max out [Bio-Creation Magic] at level ten.

And because he lacked talent in other areas, even if he trained, he wouldn’t gain much growth, so he simply gave up, resulting in his low level.

However, this person was able to create a faction with just Bio-Creation Magic.

Not to mention, the four magical lifeforms with the [Symbiosis] skill around Danas were undoubtedly his greatest creations.

Lacking in personal strength?

So what?

Danas only needed to painstakingly collect precious materials to create powerful magical lifeforms to fight for him and obey his every command.

Thanks to this, Danas became the leader of [Mirage].

He was a true leader, not a warrior.

Chapter 373: Like the Eye of a Storm

Shien then proceeded with Oz and Maeve.

However, as the three of them moved deeper into the temple, preparing to confront the incoming evil beings, they suddenly discovered that the evil beings were ignoring them, either roaring past them or fighting amongst themselves, no longer attacking them on sight as before.

It was as if they couldn’t see Shien, Oz, and Maeve, which surprised them.

“What’s going on?”

Oz deliberately threw a punch at an evil being, smashing its head, but the being didn’t even look at him, much to Oz’s surprise.

“They really can’t see us?”

Shien also waved his hand in front of several evil beings, but they also ignored him, instead attacking each other.

This situation was truly bizarre.

Only Maeve, after frowning for a moment, spoke thoughtfully.

“Could it be the Old Demon Faction’s doing?”

Maeve said.

“The Old Demon Faction?” Oz asked in confusion. “How did they do it?”

How did they do it?

Maeve couldn’t answer this question.

But she knew it definitely had something to do with the Old Demon Faction.

The reason was simple.

“I’ve always been curious. Why would the Old Demon Faction want to use evil beings to guard the temple?” Maeve said, “Evil beings are mindless madmen who only know how to destroy everything in sight, not even sparing other crazed beings.”

Under such circumstances, logically, if they released the evil beings, the first ones to be attacked would be the Old Demon Faction themselves.

But the Old Demon Faction seemed fearless, not only releasing the evil beings recklessly but also moving freely within the temple filled with them. It was very strange.

Moreover…

“The temple is filled with evil aura. Anyone who enters should be severely affected by it, without exception.”

Saying this, Maeve glanced at Shien, then quickly looked away and continued,

“But the Old Demon Faction doesn’t seem to care. They directly occupied the temple, not worried about being corrupted by the evil aura and turning into mindless beings. Why is that?”

Shien also pondered.

Indeed, there were some unexplainable aspects to the Old Demon Faction’s actions.

Shien hadn’t noticed it before, but now that Maeve had reminded him, he also felt something was amiss.

Furthermore, the Old Demon Faction also wanted to break Lilith’s seal. That seal was cast by the Three Goddesses themselves. Ordinary methods couldn’t possibly break it, but the Old Demon Faction dared to target it, clearly possessing some extraordinary means.

What were those means?

No one knew.

But Shien knew one thing.

“You mean, the Old Demon Faction not only has the means to break the seal but also the method to control the evil beings and avoid being corrupted by the evil aura?”

Shien guessed what Maeve was trying to say.

“That’s right.” Maeve nodded. “Otherwise, there’s no way to explain the rationality behind the Old Demon Faction’s actions.”

If they didn’t have a way to avoid being corrupted by the evil aura, the Old Demon Faction wouldn’t dare to occupy the temple so brazenly and try to release Lilith.

If they didn’t have a way to control the evil beings, they would become the first targets of the evil beings’ attacks.

It was precisely because the Old Demon Faction possessed these means and methods that they dared to target Lilith and openly occupy this place, releasing so many evil beings.

Now, the reason why the evil beings here were ignoring Shien and the others, going around them, was likely due to the Old Demon Faction’s doing.

So, the question was…

“If the Old Demon Faction is really controlling these evil beings, then by letting the evil beings ignore us now, they’re essentially letting us pass, right?” Shien smiled playfully. “Are they welcoming us? Do they want us to find them?”

“That should be the case.” Maeve thought for a moment, then agreed with Shien. “Perhaps because those four members of the Old Demon Faction were defeated by you, they realized that ordinary evil beings are no match for you, and that you would eventually reach their location, so they simply let us pass.”

Before Shien could respond to Maeve’s words, Oz became angry.

“So, that guy is looking down on us?”

Oz slammed his fist into his palm, looking furious.

“They must be truly fearless, otherwise they wouldn’t let us pass knowing we’ve barged in.”

Maeve’s expression was grave.

After all, if they were truly fearless, it meant that the Old Demon Faction still had some trump cards they hadn’t used yet.

Those could be very deadly and terrifying things, making Maeve understandably concerned.

Shien, on the other hand, looked at the corridor ahead and suddenly said,

“Why don’t you consider that they’re only letting us pass because they need me?”

Shien said these words abruptly.

“Need you?”

Maeve was stunned, then as if realizing something, her expression changed.

Indeed, they had a reason to need Shien.

“They must have learned that I have the power to directly break the seal, so after knowing I’m here, they chose to let us pass, right?”

Shien’s expression became increasingly playful, even sarcastic.

But his words were undoubtedly correct.

As mentioned before, the Old Demon Faction didn’t have a way to directly break the seal, so they could only slowly try to unravel it.

Therefore, if they knew that someone who could directly break the seal had arrived, they would definitely want that person to help them.

This was the reason why they were controlling the evil beings, letting them ignore Shien and the others, and allowing Shien to proceed.

“I’d like to see which member of the Old Demon Faction is doing this.”

Shien seemed to be curious and walked forward.

Oz and Maeve exchanged glances, their eyes showing a hint of worry.

They didn’t know if Shien would really help them break the seal.

After all, Shien had a prior record.

Having witnessed that scene firsthand, anyone would be worried, right?

“Let’s go.” Maeve took a deep breath. “If he really wanted to break the seal, he could have done so last time. But he chose to give up, proving that he isn’t indifferent to the consequences of breaking the seal.”

Therefore, Maeve still had some hope for Shien.

“Hopefully.” Oz didn’t refute Maeve, but he wasn’t optimistic either. He said with annoyance, “But this person is too unpredictable. He seems difficult to control.”

The problem Oz raised was also Maeve’s concern.

Although they had only interacted for a short time, Maeve had already seen that this young human nobleman was quite difficult to control.

To put it nicely, he was free-spirited. To put it bluntly, he was moody and could change his mind at any moment.

Moreover, although he was young, he wasn’t easy to fool.

It wasn’t that Shien was particularly clever, but his actions were always unexpected and could potentially disrupt the current situation, making it difficult to know what to do.

Such a person would probably be a nightmare for many self-proclaimed strategists and superiors, right?

However, the influence he brought wasn’t necessarily all good. It could also be bad.

In short, this person was both righteous and wicked. He had been their enemy last time, but this time he helped them, showing mercy to the evil beings and helping them find peace. Yet, he also had the audacity to involve everyone in the incidents he caused. He was like the eye of a storm, destroying everything in his path, leaving only himself at the center, controlling everything, blowing people in whichever direction he pleased, making him unpredictable.

This made it difficult for others to feel secure, not knowing what he would do next.

“When did such a terrifying figure appear among humans?”

Maeve sighed.

Now, Maeve only hoped that he wouldn’t do anything rash.

If he suddenly decided to cooperate with the Old Demon Faction, break the seal, and release Lilith, that would be a nightmare.

Oz, unlike Maeve, didn’t think so much, but he knew one thing.

“If necessary, even if it means risking our lives, we must stop him.”

Oz was prepared to do so.

“You’re right.”

Maeve relaxed her expression and nodded.

Thus, the two followed Shien, passing by the roaring and fighting evil beings under his lead.

Soon, the three of them reached the depths of the temple.

…

“——■■■■■■■■■■■■■■—”

When Shien, Oz, and Maeve entered the main hall of the temple, they first heard this indistinguishable sound.

It was the sound of many people chanting spells together.

In the center of the hall, around the crystal sealing the wounded girl, black-robed members of the Old Demon Faction were kneeling in a circle.

They knelt and chanted strange spells in an orderly fashion, their magic power transforming into streams of black air that flowed into the crystal.

As a result of their actions, the crystal, which had been repaired to the point where only a single crack remained, was now covered in tiny cracks.

Clearly, the Old Demon Faction was breaking the seal.

What they were doing now was performing a magic ritual to break the seal.

Under the influence of this magic ritual, not only was the crystal cracking continuously, but also an endless stream of evil aura was emerging from the cracks, spreading to the surroundings.

In addition, evil beings emerged from beneath the crystal, like demons crawling out of hell, roaring and charging outwards.

“What are you doing!?”

“Stop!”

Seeing this, Oz and Maeve were instantly enraged and wanted to stop them.

But before they could, Shien stopped them.

“Don’t panic.” Shien smirked. “The main event is about to begin.”

Just as Shien finished speaking, a burst of laughter rang out.

Chapter 372: Unearthing a Love Triangle?

“Is… is he alright?”

Seeing Oz convulsing on the ground, Maeve’s voice trembled slightly.

She had witnessed Shien knock Oz unconscious.

Yes, knock him unconscious.

Even though his opponent was a beastman known for his physical prowess, and Oz at that, a level ninety-one beastman with unparalleled strength, Shien not only showed no fear but even went toe-to-toe with him in close combat.

Of course, this close combat wasn’t a back-and-forth exchange, but a one-sided beating from Shien.

Great strength?

Just don’t get hit, right?

Exceptional physical abilities?

Shien, using [Limit Evolution], wasn’t afraid of him at all, right?

Moreover, Oz had lost his mind and only knew how to attack blindly, without defending. Shien only needed to use [Instant Movement] to dodge all of Oz’s attacks, then punch him in the head repeatedly. Would he not be knocked unconscious?

Poor Oz, possibly the strongest among the beastmen, was beaten unconscious by Shien’s punches. Fortunately, no one else saw this, otherwise it would have been a lifelong humiliation for this proud werewolf.

Shien, unconcerned, sheathed his Holy Sword and said,

“Don’t worry, I didn’t injure him. But he was already attacked by those four black-robed figures from the Old Demon Faction, suffered quite a few injuries, and was corrupted by the evil aura, losing his mind. His condition definitely isn’t good.”

Presumably, Oz was gradually corrupted by the evil aura and driven mad during the fight with the Old Demon Faction, right?

Otherwise, the Old Demon Faction wouldn’t have targeted Oz. If Oz had already lost his mind, they would only have used him to guard the temple; they wouldn’t fight a mindless, crazed being.

“Probably, after you were separated, Oz came to the temple alone to attack the Old Demon Faction, but they discovered him and sent those four black-robed figures to chase him down. During the fight, Oz went mad, and then they fought all the way to us, resulting in the current situation.”

Shien shrugged, stating his speculation.

“That idiot, being reckless again.”

Maeve didn’t doubt it and gritted her teeth in anger.

Based on her understanding of Oz, this was indeed something the simple-minded werewolf would do.

This time, if it weren’t for Shien, Oz would probably have been done for.

However, his current situation wasn’t much better.

Maeve looked at Shien, a hint of pleading in her eyes.

“You want me to save him, right? I understand!”

Shien rolled his eyes and extended his hand towards Oz.

“[Celestial Breathe].”

The almost omnipotent healing Celestial Magic was cast once again, summoning a shower of starlight that fell on Oz and Maeve.

The starlight merged into the two beastmen, not only healing Oz’s injuries but also making Maeve feel lighter, as the erosion of the evil aura was swept away.

“Ugh…”

Oz groaned and slowly opened his eyes.

“Are you alright, Oz?”

Maeve asked anxiously.

“Ma… Maeve?”

Oz didn’t expect to see Maeve as soon as he opened his eyes, his face lighting up with joy.

But the next second, when he saw Shien standing behind Maeve, the joy on his face froze and turned into anger.

“You still dare to show your face…!?”

Oz roared and jumped up from the ground.

“Wait! Oz!”

Maeve quickly shouted, but she couldn’t stop Oz.

“Return the Saintess to us!”

Oz angrily prepared to punch Shien.

Unfortunately…

“[Bestow: Weakness].”

“[Bestow: Fatigue].”

“[Bestow: Paralysis].”

“[Bestow: Stiffness].”

Without any hesitation, Shien cast several magic spells on Oz in one breath, applying various negative status effects to him.

“Guah…!”

Oz yelped, his body becoming weak and listless as he collapsed back to the ground.

“D-damn it… Using such tricks again…!?”

Oz lay on the ground like a tiger without teeth, feeling weak and powerless.

However, even so, Oz still glared fiercely at Shien, as if he wanted to bite a piece of flesh from him.

Seeing Oz like this, Shien felt relieved.

“That’s right. This is the normal reaction of you beastmen priests when you see me.”

Shien felt inexplicably satisfied.

Maeve was speechless and could only smile wryly.

Oz, however, still hadn’t realized what was wrong. Looking at Maeve, who was smiling wryly, he shouted desperately,

“Maeve! Run! Find the others! And find a way to save the Saintess!”

This idiot was just short of shouting “You go first, I’ll cover you!”

Shien was amused.

“Hey, dumb wolf, I saved you, and not only are you not thanking me, but you’re also hostile towards me. Isn’t that a bit unreasonable?”

Shien couldn’t help but tease the werewolf.

“Bah!” Oz was indeed an idiot. Not only did he not believe Shien’s words, but he also said with disdain, “You saved me? You wish we were all dead! Quickly return the Saintess to us!”

Oz looked very agitated.

Clearly, this werewolf cared a lot about Elise’s safety.

“You’re so anxious. It shouldn’t be just because of loyalty, right?” Shien squatted in front of Oz, poking his head with the hilt of the Holy Sword, and said with a smirk, “Don’t tell me you actually like the Saintess?”

“Wha…!?” Oz’s eyes widened, and his square face turned red.

Seeing this, Shien understood.

“So, I was right?” Shien said, half surprised, half teasing. “Since you’re so easy to understand, why don’t I take you back as well and lock you up with Elise? Then you’ll have the chance to be lovey-dovey and do some enviable things. How about it?”

“Y-y-you… shut up…!” Oz was embarrassed and angry, but he also seemed a bit shaken, causing him to stammer, “D-don’t slander me! And don’t spout nonsense! The Saintess is pure and innocent! I don’t have such improper thoughts!”

“Really?” Shien said playfully. “Since you don’t want her, I’ll just take her. I’m sure a pure and innocent saintess must taste delicious.”

“You dare!?” This time, Oz wasn’t just embarrassed and angry, but enraged, as if his reverse scale had been touched, his bottom line crossed.

“Oh dear, how scary.” Shien said, but his face showed no fear. He continued to poke Oz’s head with the hilt of the Holy Sword, making Oz howl.

At this moment, Maeve finally spoke.

“Alright, Oz, stop shouting. It’s a misunderstanding.”

Maeve said to Oz, but her tone was a bit strange.

Oz, the idiot, naturally couldn’t hear it, but Shien noticed it clearly.

Seeing Maeve’s complicated expression, Shien’s face turned strange.

(Could this cat-girl like this dumb wolf?)

Good heavens, it seemed he had inadvertently unearthed a love triangle.

As Shien thought this with a strange expression, Maeve explained the whole story to Oz.

“What?” Oz said in shock. “You’re saying the Saintess ran into the temple alone?”

Compared to the fact that Shien had saved him and Maeve, this dumb wolf only remembered this.

“That’s right.” Although Maeve’s expression was complicated, she said seriously, “Saintess Elise must have sensed something through prayer, so she suddenly ran out and entered the temple to stop the Old Demon Faction from releasing more evil beings.”

If the corrupted ancient beings were released and went on a rampage, destroying everything, even if Lilith wasn’t freed, the human world would face a great disaster.

“How… how do you even judge people…!?”

Understanding this, Oz glared at Shien again.

“Are you blaming me for misjudging her?”

Shien twitched his lips and poked Oz’s forehead with the hilt of the Holy Sword, making him howl in pain before speaking.

“Then should I blame you for not guarding the temple properly, allowing the Old Demon Faction to occupy it?”

Oz wanted to say something, but Maeve stopped him.

“Alright, Oz, the most important thing now is to find Saintess Elise quickly. Otherwise, she might be in danger.”

Maeve said.

“Right! Find her first!”

Oz finally reacted and nodded repeatedly.

“I say, you haven’t given up yet?” Shien said, speechless. “I already said that if you stay in this temple for too long, you will go crazy. But you still ignore that and rush inside. Are all beastmen idiots?”

These two didn’t consider their own safety at all, making one wonder if they were too stupid or just reckless.

But clearly, they didn’t care about themselves. They prioritized Elise’s safety above all else.

“Knowing that our Saintess is in danger and not rushing to save her would be a disgrace to a beastmen priest.”

“No matter what, we must rescue Saintess Elise!”

Maeve and Oz declared without hesitation.

“Fine, if you’re not afraid, I won’t say anything.” Shien said nonchalantly. “But the Old Demon Faction is also my target, so don’t get in my way.”

Shien’s words made Oz open his mouth to retort.

But before Oz could speak, Maeve stopped him and assured Shien,

“Don’t worry, we won’t get in your way.”

Compared to the impulsive Oz, the thoughtful Maeve knew that cooperating with Shien, in the current situation, was beneficial and harmless.

Even if Shien didn’t assist them, as long as he could help them avoid being corrupted by the evil aura, they would be satisfied.

“Then let’s go.”

Shien stood up, waved his hand, and released the magic he had cast on Oz.

Oz quickly got up, snorted coldly, and said,

“I won’t thank you!”

Thank you for your tsundere act.

Unfortunately, you’re not a girl, but a rough guy.

A rough guy’s tsundere act is worthless.

So, get as far away as possible.

Chapter 371: “Stop Your Barking.”

“Raaaaaaaaaargh…!”

Within the shattered wall, Oz, the werewolf, roared madly, charging towards four figures.

They were four black-robed individuals, emanating an ominous aura.

These four black-robed figures were all high-level, at levels eighty-seven, eighty-six, eighty-five, and eighty-three respectively. They were all experts above level eighty, and their magic power was far more potent than that of ordinary people.

Facing Oz’s frenzied assault, the four black-robed figures didn’t panic at all. They dispersed in an orderly fashion, surrounding Oz in a four-corner formation. Then, they all extended their hands, magic power surging as they unleashed magic chains that wrapped around Oz.

“Raaaaaargh…! Raaaaaaargh…!”

Oz roared and struggled, his muscles bulging, veins popping out on his face. The magic chains strained taut, creaking as if they were about to break.

The werewolf’s strength was still as exaggerated as ever, even able to break free from magical restraints with brute force, which was surprising.

However, the black-robed figures seemed to have been prepared.

“Crackle…!”

With a sound like electric shocks, lightning flashed from the hands of the four black-robed figures holding the chains.

The lightning transformed into bolts that traveled through the chains, striking Oz and flashing wildly on his body.

“Gaaaaaaaaah…!”

Oz cried out in pain.

Clearly, being electrocuted wasn’t pleasant.

The four black-robed figures continued to cast their magic, electrocuting Oz as if they were performing a task, emotionless and indifferent, like machines.

Just as they were about to knock Oz unconscious, an angry shout finally rang out.

“Let him go!”

Maeve lunged at the four black-robed figures, her fingernails extending into sharp claws. With a wave of her hands, countless claw strikes enveloped them.

“—”

The four black-robed figures immediately stopped what they were doing and scattered like ghosts.

“Boom—!”

Maeve’s claw strikes landed on the ground and wall, shattering them with a loud explosion.

Unfortunately, the attack missed the four black-robed figures.

But Maeve’s goal was to save Oz, and she had achieved it.

“Gah…”

Oz was finally free from the electric shocks, the magic chains disappearing. He collapsed to the ground, his body smoking.

“Oz!”

Maeve immediately rushed to Oz’s side.

As the saying goes, care makes one lose their head. Maeve, usually thoughtful and cautious, didn’t notice that the four black-robed figures, who had scattered like ghosts, had already extended their hands towards her, ready to cast magic.

However…

“She’s not alone, you rats of the Old Demon Faction.”

When this amused voice reached the ears of the four black-robed figures, their movements froze. They immediately turned around and unleashed magic towards the young nobleman who had suddenly appeared.

“Boom!”

A thunderous roar echoed as countless black lightning bolts shot out from the hands of the four black-robed figures, transforming into a rain of lightning that fell towards the young nobleman.

The young nobleman raised an eyebrow.

“Good heavens…”

He realized that each of these black-robed figures from the Old Demon Faction was as strong as Bedo had been.

Four members of the Old Demon Faction as strong as Bedo appearing at once?

It seemed this branch of the Old Demon Faction was quite powerful.

But…

“You’re not strong enough to deal with me.”

Shien didn’t dodge or evade, walking directly towards the rain of lightning.

“Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang…!”

The black lightning bolts struck Shien, creating explosions, shattering the floor and walls, sending electric arcs through the air, and shaking the entire temple.

The power of this magic was undoubtedly at the advanced level.

However, when the electric arcs dissipated and the smoke cleared, Shien emerged unharmed, and the expressions of the four black-robed figures under their hoods seemed to change.

“Bang!”

At this moment, Shien suddenly exploded into action, his figure transforming into a blur as he dashed towards the four black-robed figures at an astonishing speed.

“Clang!”

The Holy Sword, like a bolt of lightning, slashed down with a sharp cry, aimed at the head of one of the black-robed figures.

The black-robed figure immediately sensed the danger and without hesitation, deployed a dark barrier to protect himself.

It was defensive magic.

The black-robed figure reacted in time, deploying defensive magic to block Shien’s attack.

However…

“Hum!”

When red magic power flickered from the Holy Sword, transforming into a blade of magic power that enveloped the sword’s edge, the fate of this black-robed figure was sealed.

“Swish!”

The red slash descended, effortlessly piercing the dark barrier and the air, slicing through the black-robed figure’s body.

Blood splattered from the wound on the black-robed figure’s chest, staining the temple floor and walls.

“…!”

The black-robed figure seemed to be in disbelief, his eyes widening under his hood.

To Shien’s surprise, even after receiving a fatal wound, this member of the Old Demon Faction didn’t collapse or retreat. Instead, he reached out and grabbed the blade of the Holy Sword, ignoring the wounds on his hands, and stopped the sword.

“Looking for death!”

Shien laughed in anger.

However, he also knew why this member of the Old Demon Faction had taken such an action.

It was to create an opportunity for the other three.

“Swish!” “Swish!” “Swish!”

The three black-robed figures appeared around Shien, unleashing magic chains at him.

“Get lost!”

Magic power surged from Shien’s body, and the red magic power on the Holy Sword intensified, severing the hands of the black-robed figure clinging to the blade. The Holy Sword then sliced through the air like a flash of red light.

With this flash, the incoming magic chains were all cut down by the Holy Sword’s magic power, vanishing into thin air.

But at the same time, the four black-robed figures also disappeared, scattering like ghosts once more. They regrouped at a distance in front of Shien, standing together.

Shien was about to attack them immediately, but then he saw a surprising scene.

“Clang!”

The three black-robed figures placed their hands on the bleeding black-robed figure, whose hands had been severed and chest wounded. They poured magic power into him, causing a dark light to flow through his body.

As the light flowed, the magic power of the three black-robed figures merged into the injured one at an astonishing speed, rapidly healing his wounds and even regenerating his hands.

“Healing magic?”

Shien was surprised.

He didn’t expect these black-robed figures to possess such high-level healing magic.

No, wait.

“That’s not healing magic.”

Shien used the [Appraisal] skill and saw that these four members of the Old Demon Faction hadn’t learned the [Healing Magic] skill. They couldn’t possibly use healing magic.

Each of them had only learned one magic skill: [Fire Magic], [Lightning Magic], [Dark Magic], and [Binding Magic] respectively.

In other words, these four could only use fire magic, lightning magic, dark magic, and binding magic. They didn’t know how to use healing magic at all.

But this was strange.

Setting aside the healing magic, these four black-robed figures had learned different magic spells, but they could use the same magic during battle. How was this possible?

Shien frowned, then he discovered that these four black-robed figures all possessed a skill – [Symbiosis].

…

[Symbiosis]

• Passive Skill

• Can connect with targets who possess the same skill.

• Can share skills and life force with connected targets.

• Can communicate telepathically with connected targets.

• Can switch positions and quickly converge with connected targets, enabling high-speed movement.

…

Seeing this skill, Shien understood.

“A skill that allows them to share skills and life force, communicate telepathically, and switch positions?”

Shien’s gaze towards the four black-robed figures changed slightly.

No wonder they could use the same magic.

No wonder they could quickly heal their companion with just magic power.

With the [Symbiosis] skill and life force sharing, achieving this was not difficult at all.

In other words…

“Unless I kill all four of them at the same time, it’s very likely that I can’t defeat them?”

Shien realized this.

This was a bit tricky.

If it was a one-on-one fight, Shien was confident he could easily win.

But with the [Symbiosis] skill, the difficulty of killing four members of the Old Demon Faction above level eighty at the same time increased more than tenfold.

“No wonder they dare to target Lilith.”

Shien wasn’t afraid, but he smiled and became serious.

“It seems it will take some effort to deal with you.”

Shien raised the Holy Sword, pointing it at them.

But this time, they didn’t attack.

The four black-robed figures didn’t even exchange glances. After a moment of silence, they suddenly floated away like disembodied ghosts.

They were retreating.

Seeing this, Shien didn’t hesitate and reached out, ready to cast magic.

But at this moment, Maeve’s scream came from behind him.

“Aaaaaah…!”

With a frantic roar, Maeve was knocked away, crashing into the wall.

Oz, the werewolf, had woken up, but he had completely lost his mind, roaring madly.

Shien’s movement subconsciously paused.

In that instant, the four black-robed figures vanished without a trace.

“Tsk…!”

Shien clicked his tongue and turned around.

Oz roared, his bloodshot eyes fixated on Shien as he charged.

Shien also charged forward.

What followed was a violent and earth-shattering battle.

When the shaking stopped, Oz lay on the ground, twitching.

Shien, unharmed, curled his lip and muttered,

“Stop your barking.”

Chapter 370: [Supreme God’s Blessing]

The second time he entered the temple, it was still the same: dark and eerie.

However, compared to the last time, this time, the temple not only had the swirling black fog-like evil aura, but also ancient beings emerging from it, driven mad.

It was a spectacular sight, comparable to a beast tide.

Humans.

Elves.

Dwarves.

Beastmen.

And also demons and monsters.

Almost all races appeared here, even some that no longer existed, roaring, killing, biting, and trampling each other. It was a truly horrifying sight.

“[Bestow: Fire].”

At a certain moment, with this incantation, a torrent of flames erupted in the temple corridor, exploding like a fire dragon.

Countless evil beings were ignited in the flames, roaring and wailing as they were burned to ashes, clearing the corridor.

Shien appeared in the corridor, holding the Holy Sword in one hand, the other raised forward, magic power surging around him.

Beside him, Maeve, although she had seen it before, was still shocked by Shien’s magic power and the power of his Bestowal Magic.

The “Fire” attribute wasn’t a particularly high-level attribute in Bestowal Magic.

It was only an intermediate attribute, a type of intermediate magic.

When ordinary people used this magic, they would at most imbue their weapons with the “Fire” attribute, temporarily granting them the power of a fire-type magic weapon.

But Shien directly imbued the building with the “Fire” attribute, causing it to erupt in flames, creating a large-scale sea of fire that swept away all enemies. This level of power and technique, even Maeve, a beastmen priest who had seen many goddesses and powerful figures of the Divine Race with Elise, had never witnessed before.

This was beyond the capabilities of mere intermediate magic, and it wasn’t just a matter of strong magic power.

For Shien to be able to do this, not only did he need sufficiently strong magic power, but he also needed to have trained his magic skills to a very high level.

What did this mean?

It meant that Shien’s Bestowal Magic level was very high.

And the versatility and effects of high-level Bestowal Magic were no joke. Countless magic scholars had discussed this issue.

They all believed that Bestowal Magic could only unleash its true power in the hands of a magician with sufficiently strong magic power and high talent, capable of raising their [Bestowal Magic] level.

Maeve felt that she might have just seen someone who could unleash the true potential of Bestowal Magic.

“Boom!”

Flames continued to surge, sweeping through the temple corridors, burning the evil beings to ashes.

However, even so, many evil beings still roared and charged towards them.

“Aren’t there a bit too many of them?”

Shien complained as he used magic to clear the way, walking towards the inner part of the temple.

“…This is still considered few.”

Maeve responded subconsciously.

But just as Maeve said, this was still considered few.

Back then, the number of beings driven mad by Lilith was calculated on a continental scale. If they were all sealed here, then the evil beings that had appeared now were just a drop in the bucket.

Moreover…

“Among the beings corrupted by the evil god’s power and turned into evil beings, there are quite a few powerful figures from various races who appeared on the battlefield back then. If they appear, that would be truly terrifying.”

Maeve’s expression was grave.

Shien also knew that Maeve wasn’t trying to scare him.

Among the beings corrupted by Lilith, there were definitely some powerful figures from various races.

Some of those powerful figures had even reached the legendary level, raising their level to ninety and above.

Therefore, those evil beings were the true threat. If they were released, it would be a huge problem.

However…

“Judging from the current situation, those powerful evil beings haven’t broken free from the seal yet, right?”

Shien used the [Appraisal] skill to check the levels of the evil beings and said.

“That should be the case.” Maeve nodded. “The more powerful the evil beings, the stronger the seal on them. The Old Demon Faction definitely can’t easily break their seals and release them.”

“Really?” Shien cast magic again, sending a tornado of fire through the corridor, sweeping away the evil beings. Then he glanced at Maeve and asked, “What about you? Can you still hold on?”

Maeve didn’t answer.

Or rather, she couldn’t answer.

At this moment, Maeve was clutching her chest, seemingly in pain, her expression contorted in struggle.

Shien could see dark emotions flashing in Maeve’s eyes every now and then, making her look somewhat crazed.

Clearly, after entering the temple, Maeve was even more affected by the evil aura.

The evil aura inside the temple was several times denser than outside. Ordinary people could hardly maintain their sanity here.

Shien, on the other hand, wasn’t affected at all and even felt like a fish in water.

“…Why aren’t you affected by the evil god’s power at all?”

Maeve seemed unable to accept this.

“Even if you ask me, I don’t know what to say.”

Shien replied.

In fact, Shien himself was also surprised.

After entering the temple and being exposed to more of the evil aura, he not only wasn’t more affected, but he actually felt much more relaxed than outside.

Now, Shien wasn’t even using [Clear Mind, Still Water] anymore, relying solely on [Abnormal Status Resistance] to block the invading evil aura.

Gradually, even his perception skills were no longer affected and could be used again.

This situation was truly strange.

So strange that Shien even suspected that the seal on his Holy Sword had also loosened, causing its power to leak out, invisibly protecting him and blocking the erosion of the evil aura.

Shien checked the Holy Sword and found that the seal was still intact.

Therefore, Shien could only think of one reason why he wasn’t affected by Lilith’s power.

(Is it the power of the blessing?)

Shien glanced at the effects of his [Supreme God’s Blessing].

…

[Supreme God’s Blessing]

• Unique Skill

• Receive the world’s protection.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all conditions can be met.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all interference can be avoided.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all domains can take effect.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all effects can be applied.

…

By now, Shien had more or less figured out the various effects of his blessing and understood its power.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all conditions can be met.

This referred to the requirements for learning certain skills that only the Divine Race could meet. Humans and demons couldn’t learn these skills, but Shien could meet their learning conditions thanks to this effect.

For example, the [God of War] skill, according to what Shien had found in the magic book library beneath the royal palace, was a skill that only the God of War or the God of Battles could learn. Other races, and even other gods, couldn’t learn it, but Shien could master it.

Another example was the [Magic Guidance] skill. This skill, as mentioned before, was a high-level amplification skill that only the Divine Race and Demon Race could learn. Shien could also learn it, thanks to the “Limited to the Divine Race, all conditions can be met” effect of his blessing.

According to Shien’s guess, not only skills, but other things that only the Divine Race could meet the conditions for, he should also be able to fulfill.

Things like magic that only the Divine Race could learn, or places only the Divine Race could enter, Shien could meet their conditions thanks to this blessing. This was the true nature of this effect.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all interference can be avoided.

As the name suggested, this effect allowed Shien to avoid being interfered with by any power of the Divine Race.

Although Lilith’s power was terrifying, as long as she was a goddess, as long as this power fell within the scope of the Divine Race’s power, it couldn’t affect Shien.

If Shien’s guess was correct, probably none of the goddesses of the Divine Race could use their powers to harm him.

In other words, with this effect, Shien would have a huge advantage when facing the Divine Race. They could only use close combat or magic that humans could also use to attack him. Their powers would be completely ineffective.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all domains can take effect.

• Limited to the Divine Race, all effects can be applied.

Shien didn’t know what these two effects were for before, but he had recently gained some understanding.

Because he had been having inexplicable premonitions from time to time, telling him how certain things would turn out and whether certain actions were right or wrong.

This feeling was very similar to the “guidance of fate” that Lucy had mentioned more than once.

Since all members of the Divine Race were born from Omniis, and Shien had received Omniis’s blessing, he made a bold guess: were the last two effects of his blessing referring to the fact that he could possess all the effects of the Divine Race’s blessings?

Including the Goddess of Fate, it was the same.

In other words, Shien was equivalent to having the blessings of all the goddesses of the Divine Race, able to wield their power.

These were the effects of Shien’s blessing.

The remaining one was “the world’s protection,” and Shien still didn’t know what it did.

In conclusion, Shien believed that it was because of the power of his blessing that he could be so comfortable in the evil aura, completely unaffected.

As for why he was somewhat affected outside, it was probably because the evil aura had existed for nearly ten thousand years and had been weakened significantly, even breaking free from Lilith’s control, no longer a divine power but something akin to a natural phenomenon, which was why it didn’t trigger the resistance of Shien’s blessing.

After entering the temple, the evil aura became denser, naturally triggering the resistance of his blessing, making Shien feel more at ease.

Maeve wasn’t so lucky.

“I think you should still go out.” Shien said, not expecting her to listen, as if it was just a routine warning. “It’s not too late to leave now.”

“I won’t.” Maeve was clearly stubborn, refusing without hesitation and continuing forward.

“Fine.” Shien shrugged and was about to move forward when he suddenly stopped and abruptly grabbed Maeve.

“Ah!” Maeve exclaimed as Shien pulled her into his arms.

At this moment…

“Boom—!”

The wall beside them suddenly exploded, shattering into pieces.

From within, a figure stumbled out, appearing before Shien and Maeve.

“Aaaaaah…! Aaaaaah…!”

A crazed roar came from its mouth.

Maeve finally reacted and saw the figure clearly.

Her pupils constricted.

“Oz!”

It was Oz, the werewolf.

“Aaaaaah…!”

Oz, driven mad, roared with bloodshot eyes, lunging towards the shattered wall.

There were several other figures there.

Seeing those figures, Shien narrowed his eyes, a smile appearing on his lips.

“Finally found you, you shady rats…”

Chapter 369: What Sin Have I Committed?

“Aaaaaaaaaah…!”

A scream echoed through the sky above the evil aura-filled plain, startling the evil beings below. They raised their heads, looking up at the sky and roaring.

In the air, Shien was flying, carrying Maeve, a look of despair on his face.

Maeve clung to Shien like an octopus, her limbs wrapped tightly around him, screaming incessantly.

Shien felt like his eardrums were being assaulted by demonic sounds, his head spinning, almost ascending to heaven on the spot.

“Hey, can you stop screaming?” Shien pleaded with the cat-girl, who was unleashing the sonic attack. “If you keep screaming like this, I’ll die. Please, spare my life!”

“B-b-but…!” Maeve clung tightly to Shien, her voice at least ten times louder than usual, causing her to cry out as well, “Why do we have to fly!?”

“Didn’t I already explain it to you?” Shien looked like he was about to faint, staggering slightly. “There are so many evil beings on the ground. If we walk, who knows how many times we’ll be attacked. It’s better to just fly. It’s faster too, right?”

Therefore, after Maeve pointed out the direction, Shien grabbed the cat-girl and took to the sky.

Who knew that once they were airborne, Maeve not only clung to him but also unleashed her ear-piercing screams, almost causing Shien to crash.

As the strategist of the beastmen priest group, Maeve naturally understood how correct Shien’s actions were.

However…

“I… I’m afraid of heights!”

Maeve cried.

Hearing Maeve’s words, Shien wanted to cry even more.

“You’re afraid of heights?” Shien wanted to bang his head against a rock, saying in exasperation, “Aren’t you a cat? Cats are afraid of heights?”

As expected of another world, he could even encounter a cat with a fear of heights. It was truly an eye-opening experience.

Actually, Maeve wasn’t afraid of heights. It was just because of her personality, she felt more secure with her feet on the ground. Sometimes, she was fine with jumping a few times in the air with her own strength, but this feeling of completely leaving the ground, unable to control her own body, and entrusting everything to someone else, made Maeve feel very insecure.

That was why Maeve was afraid of heights, not because of acrophobia.

At least, that’s what she believed.

Now, the cat-girl’s face was pale, and her limbs were wrapped around Shien so tightly that he was worried his bones would crack.

If it weren’t for the fact that this girl was also giving Shien some benefits while using her sonic attack and death hug, letting him feel the softness and elasticity of her body, Shien would have thrown her back to the ground.

“Anyway, stop screaming. If you’re really scared, just close your eyes!”

For the sake of his own life, Shien no longer cared about taking advantage of the situation and could only say these words resentfully.

“B-b-but… I still have to guide you!”

Maeve said tearfully, her eyes still glancing at the ground uncontrollably, her face turning even paler.

“Just point me in the direction. I’ll find it myself.”

Shien said without hesitation.

“Th-then… fly that way!”

Maeve pointed in a direction with a trembling hand, then quickly retracted it and clung to Shien again.

This time, she directly wrapped her arms around Shien’s neck, almost choking him.

Shien could only increase his speed and fly towards the temple.

“Aaaaaaaaaah…!”

Maeve, with her eyes closed, felt the sudden increase in speed and screamed again.

“Stop screaming!”

Shien shouted with a grimace.

“Aaaaaaaaaah…!”

Maeve couldn’t hear anything, just kept screaming.

“What… what sin have I committed?”

Shien’s expression turned into despair once again.

With an earth-shattering scream, Shien flew towards the temple at high speed, transforming into a stream of light.

…

At this moment, in the pitch-black temple on the plain, black fog-like evil aura was surging outwards.

At the temple gate, along with the surging evil aura, evil beings rushed out.

Some were killing each other while roaring, while others seemed to be attracted by something and scattered around, making the once heavily guarded temple look like a castle under attack, a scene of chaos and disorder. It was somewhat spectacular.

Shien arrived above the temple with Maeve.

“We’re finally here.”

A relieved expression appeared on Shien’s face.

Maeve also seemed to be tired of screaming. She looked at the chaotic scene below with a pale face, her voice still trembling.

“A-are we going down?”

Maeve looked like she wanted to go down but was also afraid.

After all, there were so many evil beings on the ground. If they went down, they would definitely be attacked fiercely.

But Shien only wanted to say that he was under an even fiercer and more fatal attack in mid-air.

Whether it was [Physical Resistance], [Magic Resistance], or [Abnormal Status Resistance], none of them were effective against this sonic attack, making Shien wonder if he would die in the sky.

“We’re going down!”

Shien made this decision without hesitation.

As for the evil beings on the ground, weren’t they easy to deal with?

“[Bestow: Fire].”

Shien once again turned the ground into purgatory, unleashing endless flames and heat.

The flames surged around the temple, as if surrounding it, and continued to spread outwards.

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

The ancient evil beings wailed in the flames, then were burned to ashes, disappearing into the sea of fire.

A clear area was created around the temple, the chaotic scene replaced by a scene of raging flames.

Shien landed in front of the temple gate with Maeve.

“F-finally down…”

Maeve immediately jumped off Shien, but then collapsed on the ground, her pale face showing relief.

Shien’s face also showed relief, no less than Maeve’s.

“Yeah, we finally survived.”

Shien still felt lingering fear.

If there was a chance in the future, Shien wanted to ask those guys who thought it was romantic to take girls on Ferris wheels, hot air balloons, or bungee jumping, was it really romantic?

Weren’t their girlfriends scared? Or were they inflatable dolls that couldn’t scream?

No, perhaps those guys… no, those heroes had eardrums made of titanium and weren’t afraid of banshees’ screams.

“Fortunately, Lasha and the others aren’t ordinary girls…”

Otherwise, on the way to the Stalim Duchy on Yulin’s back, his eardrums might have already been destroyed.

The two of them rested for a while, recovering some of their strength.

Maeve’s cat ears twitched, and she sniffed the air, then spoke with a mixture of joy and worry.

“I smell Saintess Elise!”

Looking at Maeve, Shien really wanted to tell her that her words were not appropriate.

If he didn’t know that beastmen were born with sharp senses and it was normal for them to smell others, Shien would suspect that this girl was a pervert.

But Maeve’s words did make Shien a bit concerned.

“You smell her?” Shien looked at Maeve. “Don’t tell me she really just barged in?”

“…It’s possible.” Maeve said worriedly. “Saintess Elise’s scent extends into the temple. She might have really gone in.”

No wonder this girl had mixed feelings.

The joy was from finally finding Elise.

The worry was that Elise seemed to have entered the most dangerous place alone and might have already met with misfortune.

“That scaredy-cat, when did she become so brave?”

Shien also felt a headache coming on.

He didn’t expect that timid girl, who wanted to cling to Lasha and tremble all day long, would dare to enter the temple alone. This truly surprised Shien.

But precisely because it was surprising, it indicated that the situation was bad.

Otherwise, with Elise’s timid nature, she would never enter the temple alone.

Something bad must have happened, forcing Elise to muster her courage and go in.

Thinking of this, Shien had an idea.

“I’m going in.” Shien turned to Maeve and asked, “What are you going to do?”

Maeve didn’t hesitate at all.

“Of course, I’m going in with you.”

Maeve said without hesitation.

“Is that a good idea?” Shien reminded her, “Inside the temple, not only is the Old Demon Faction blocking the way, but the evil aura is also much denser than outside. If you suddenly go crazy during the fight with the Old Demon Faction and attack Elise, whom you’re supposed to protect, then she’ll really be done for.”

“This…” Maeve was speechless.

“Also, your companions should still be in this evil aura, right?” Shien reminded her. “They might have already been corrupted by the evil aura and gone mad, or attacked by the evil beings, waiting for your rescue. Aren’t you going to look for them?”

Shien’s words made Maeve fall silent. After struggling for a while, she showed a resolute expression.

“Our mission as beastmen priests is to protect the Saintess. For this purpose, any sacrifice is a small price to pay.” Maeve said solemnly. “If they knew that I didn’t try to save Saintess Elise when she was in danger, but instead went to look for them, they would definitely hate me.”

In other words, Maeve still wanted to go in with him.

“Also, I can’t let you enter the temple alone.” Maeve looked at Shien seriously. “Don’t forget, you were the one who almost broke the seal last time. I have to keep an eye on you.”

Maeve didn’t trust Shien at all.

Or rather, if the situation wasn’t so dire, Maeve would want to attack Shien.

To the beastmen priests, Shien was an enemy, not a friend. This was undeniable.

“Is that so?” Shien said nonchalantly. “Suit yourself.”

Saying so, Shien stepped into the temple.

Maeve immediately followed.

Chapter 368: Just Find Someone to Blame

As the goddess who governs evil and chaos, Lilith’s power could bypass all conditions and directly drive others insane, making them go berserk and lose their minds.

It seemed like a form of mental domination, but it was actually a soul-penetrating ability, completely different from ordinary mental control.

In other words, Lilith’s evil aura didn’t interfere with the mind or influence one’s thoughts, but directly infiltrated the soul, injecting it with the “poison” of evil and chaos.

Once infected by this “poison,” even the Goddess of Life might not be able to save them. That was why the Divine Race and Demon Race in ancient times were helpless against it. In the end, the Divine Race could only seal Lilith and the beings she had driven mad, restoring peace to the world.

Under such circumstances, Maeve didn’t expect to be cured by Shien.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

Seeing Maeve’s surprised look, Shien curled his lip.

“I can save you only because you haven’t been completely corrupted. As for those ancient beings here, I can’t save a single one.”

This was the truth.

Although [Celestial Breathe] was very powerful and known as an almost omnipotent legendary healing magic, using it against the power of the strongest evil god was a bit too much.

People like Maeve, who hadn’t been completely corrupted, or those who had only been corrupted recently, could still be saved. But for those who had been in a state of madness for too long, whose self-awareness had already been erased, Shien was completely helpless.

Otherwise, Shien wouldn’t have directly granted those ancient beings peace earlier.

“…Thank you.”

Maeve was silent for a moment, then thanked Shien.

“Thank you?” Shien raised an eyebrow and said with a smirk, “I kidnapped your saintess, and this situation definitely has something to do with me. You’re actually thanking me?”

Indeed.

Lilith’s seal had weakened because of Shien, causing the evil aura to leak out and the ancient beings to break free from the seal and come to the outside world.

Judging from Maeve’s current state, the beastmen priests guarding the temple had probably been driven mad by the evil aura.

Moreover, Shien had also kidnapped Elise. These beastmen priests should hate him to the core, right?

Therefore, although Shien had saved Maeve, he was prepared to be held accountable.

Who would have thought…

“…This evil aura and these evil beings didn’t escape because the seal weakened.”

Maeve was silent for a while, then gritted her teeth and said these words resentfully.

“They didn’t escape because the seal weakened?” Shien was taken aback, then frowned and looked at Maeve. “What do you mean?”

The meaning was actually simple.

“The evil aura and the evil beings escaped because of the Old Demon Faction.” Maeve took a deep breath and said, “It was the Old Demon Faction who interfered with the seal, causing the evil aura to leak out and the evil beings to be released before Lilith herself broke free.”

Maeve then explained the whole story to Shien.

It turned out that after Shien kidnapped Elise, while the beastmen priests were panicking, the Old Demon Faction, who had attacked here before, reappeared.

This time, they didn’t launch a large-scale invasion. Instead, they took advantage of the beastmen priests’ panic over Elise and collectively infiltrated the dark temple, reaching Lilith’s seal.

“Their goal should be to free Lilith, but they seem unable to break the seal directly like you, so they could only interfere with it, slowly trying to break it.”

Maeve looked at Shien and said.

“Therefore, in order to occupy the dark temple and slowly break the seal, the Old Demon Faction released the evil aura and the evil beings within the seal.”

“They wanted to use the power of the evil aura and the evil beings to eliminate anyone who tried to approach or stay near the temple.”

“We discovered this, but it was too late. We couldn’t attack the temple in time and reclaim it. We were also attacked by the evil beings and separated.”

Speaking of this, Maeve couldn’t help but reveal a worried expression.

She was worried about her companions, not knowing how they were doing now that they were separated.

Shien could guess that those beastmen priests had either been driven mad by the evil aura, like Maeve earlier, or attacked by the corrupted beings, and their chances of survival were slim.

“What about the Saintess?”

Maeve suppressed her worry and looked at Shien intently.

“Please return Saintess Elise to us.”

When she said these words, Maeve’s tone was pleading.

At this point, she could only hope that Shien would show mercy and return the saintess, who was their reason for existence, to them.

Shien sighed and shrugged.

“Unfortunately, Elise isn’t with me right now.” Shien told Maeve truthfully. “After discovering the evil aura, the Saintess rushed out like she was crazy. I followed her here.”

“What?” Maeve’s eyes widened. She asked anxiously, “So, Saintess Elise, she…!?”

“That’s right.” Shien nodded. “She might have already run in here, or even entered the temple and encountered the Old Demon Faction.”

Hearing this, Maeve abruptly turned around and rushed towards the temple at full speed.

However, she had only run a short distance when a hand pulled her back.

“Let me go!”

Maeve struggled and glared at Shien.

“Calm down, girl.” Shien, his expression unchanged, held Maeve’s collar tightly. “Not to mention whether you can break into the temple guarded by the Old Demon Faction alone, just look at these evil beings everywhere and the ever-present evil aura. Aren’t you afraid of going crazy before you even reach the temple?”

In this evil aura, ordinary people definitely couldn’t resist it effectively and would quickly be affected and driven mad.

Maeve was still able to move around freely, partly because her level wasn’t low, just one step away from level ninety, and her resistance to abnormal statuses was somewhat higher than that of ordinary people. The other reason was that Lilith hadn’t completely broken free from the seal yet, and the evil aura released was only a small part of her power, its effect not very strong.

Yes, the evil aura released now was just a remnant of Lilith’s power before she was sealed.

Airi had also said that before being sealed, Lilith’s evil aura had spread across the land, even enveloping a continent. Presumably, this evil aura was from that time, sealed in the temple along with those evil beings by the Divine Race.

This evil aura, after nearly ten thousand years of being sealed, had already been weakened significantly.

If this were the evil aura released by Lilith personally, then the entire Stalim Duchy would have already been enveloped by it, and everyone would instantly go mad, unable to save themselves.

Shien had a feeling.

(I feel like I don’t need to be afraid of the power released by Lilith personally…)

Although he didn’t know why he felt this way, Shien knew that others definitely couldn’t be like him.

The same went for Maeve.

“You can barely maintain your sanity now, but if you stay here too long, or get close to the temple, which is the center of the evil aura, you’ll probably be done for.”

Shien said, but he didn’t manage to persuade Maeve.

“That’s even more reason for me to go!” Maeve shouted, “The temple is so dangerous, if Saintess Elise went there, she would definitely… !?”

“Definitely what?” Shien interrupted Maeve, sneering. “Definitely be in danger? Don’t you underestimate the messenger of the Goddess of Life too much?”

These words calmed Maeve down somewhat.

“Understand?” Shien continued, “Unlike you priests, the Saintess has indeed received the protection of the Goddess of Life. Even without the Goddess of Life’s blessing, she can use her power to protect herself and not be affected by the evil aura.”

Saying so, Shien released Maeve.

“As long as she isn’t discovered directly by the Old Demon Faction or attacked by the evil beings, Elise shouldn’t be in danger. And it seems she can use the power of the Goddess of Life to observe things. Avoiding the evil beings and the Old Demon Faction shouldn’t be difficult for her.”

Shien explained.

“Right now, the Saintess is probably much better off than you. You should worry about yourselves first before worrying about her.”

Listening to Shien’s words, Maeve calmed down and began to think.

Shien couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Based on his personality, he wouldn’t waste so many words on a group of people who might not even be his allies.

But it couldn’t be helped. He was about seventy percent responsible for this mess, and Shien couldn’t just walk away irresponsibly.

Although even without him, the Old Demon Faction and the mysterious mastermind would probably break the seal in the temple and cause all this, that was just hindsight.

In fact, it was Shien himself who weakened Lilith’s seal, not anyone else. Shien was aware of this.

Since that was the case, he naturally had to bear some responsibility for the trouble he had caused.

“I really wish I could just find someone to blame like before.”

Shien missed the days when he could just wander around carefree.

Unfortunately, that was clearly impossible now.

Therefore…

“Let’s go.”

Shien said to Maeve.

“Lead the way.”

Chapter 367: “At Least Let You Find Peace.”

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

Within the black fog-like evil aura, accompanied by these frantic roars, several dark figures lunging towards Shien revealed their true forms.

“Humans?”

Shien was stunned when he saw the figures clearly.

The true identities of the dark figures were humans.

Among them were elves, beastmen, and even dwarves. They looked no different from ordinary humans, but they seemed to be in a frenzied state, their eyes bloodshot, their faces狰狞, drool dripping from their mouths. It was clear they had completely lost their minds.

But what surprised Shien wasn’t that these people had lost their minds, but their attire, which was different from the people of this era.

They were dressed in animal hides and furs, and their weapons were mostly stone tools. They looked more like ancient barbarians than people of this era.

“You…”

Shien wanted to say something, but he was met with the barbarians’ frenzied attacks.

They were wild and violent, swinging their weapons at Shien without hesitation, attacking relentlessly.

And some of the barbarians without weapons directly pounced on Shien’s limbs, biting like wild beasts, desperate and ferocious.

“[Bestow: Explosion].”

Shien had no choice but to counterattack, casting magic on the surrounding air.

“Boom—!”

With an explosive sound, a shockwave erupted from Shien’s surroundings, blasting the barbarians away.

“Bang!” “Bang!” “Bang!” …

The barbarians were sent flying, falling to the ground and rolling several times.

Some of them landed awkwardly, their bones cracking as they twisted, their bodies covered in blood.

However…

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

The next second, these barbarians, completely ignoring their injuries as if they couldn’t feel pain, immediately got up and lunged at Shien again.

“What?”

Shien was taken aback, but he didn’t dare to slow down. Using the [Evasion] skill, he moved like the wind, dodging the barbarians’ attacks.

Not only that, but Shien also used the [Close-Range Evasion] skill to quickly move behind several barbarians, delivering swift chops to the back of their necks.

To Shien’s surprise, even though they were hit, these barbarians didn’t lose consciousness and continued to roar and attack him.

“…Have they completely lost their minds?”

Shien tried several more times to subdue or knock out these barbarians, but it was all in vain.

These barbarians were like the most ferocious beasts, disregarding their own safety and unable to feel pain, relentlessly attacking Shien without stopping.

Shien even cast the “Immobilize” Bestowal Magic on a barbarian. After struggling to no avail, the barbarian actually chopped off his own feet and crawled towards Shien with his bloody body.

Seeing this, Shien understood that these barbarians were beyond saving.

“In that case, I’ll let you find peace.”

Shien’s figure flashed, moving at an incredible speed, appearing in front of a barbarian.

“Swish!”

The Holy Sword sliced through the air, cutting the barbarian in half.

Blood splattered into the air and onto the ground, forming a pool of blood.

The barbarian collapsed in the pool of blood, twitching a few times before finally stopping moving.

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

The other barbarians, seeing their companion killed, weren’t afraid but instead became even more ferocious, attacking even more frantically.

“Find peace!”

Shien no longer showed mercy. His figure moved swiftly, the Holy Sword in his hand drawing elegant arcs as he slashed at the barbarians.

“Swish!” “Swish!” “Swish!” …

For a moment, sword light flashed, and blood splattered.

Shien personally ended the lives of the barbarians one by one, leaving them lying in pools of blood, turning into corpses.

Looking at the barbarians scattered on the ground, Shien frowned, holding the blood-stained Holy Sword.

“Where did these barbarians come from?”

Were they locals?

But why were they dressed like this, appearing here and turning into frenzied madmen?

“Judging from their frenzied state, they must have been driven mad for a long time.”

Their self-awareness seemed to have completely vanished in their prolonged madness, which was why they were so fearless.

Coupled with their attire, which clearly didn’t belong to this era, Shien had a guess.

“Could it be…”

Thinking of that possibility, Shien’s expression turned grim.

If that were the case, it would be a big problem.

If things went wrong, the Kingdom, even the world, would be thrown into chaos.

“Fortunately, these barbarians seem to only be able to stay within the range of the evil aura, unable to leave the land it occupies.”

Otherwise, it would be a real disaster.

“It seems that my previous decision to break the seal without hesitation was too rash.”

Shien finally sighed.

But things had already come to this, and Shien had anticipated that something might happen, making some preparations. Therefore, the problem was still within the scope of being solvable.

“Now, let’s enter the temple or find Elise first.”

Shien was about to use his perception skills, but then he remembered that they were being interfered with by the evil aura and were useless.

“How troublesome.”

Shien could only bestow the “Flight” effect on himself and fly towards the temple based on his memory.

As he flew, Shien became increasingly alarmed.

He discovered that the closer he got to the temple, the more barbarians there were, and not only humans, elves, beastmen, and dwarves, but also demons and monsters.

“Gaaaah…!”

“Uwaaaah…!”

All the humans, demons, and monsters were going crazy, completely losing their minds. They were like vengeful spirits or demons, not only attacking Shien but also killing each other, destroying everything in sight.

Their frenzied state, compared to the demonic beings Shien had seen before, might not be as disgusting in appearance, but it was undoubtedly more dangerous and terrifying.

Shien even saw many richly dressed people with no combat ability biting, kicking, and hitting each other with stones, displaying all sorts of violent behavior.

And their attire was very different from that of modern people, more like something from a distant past.

This further confirmed Shien’s guess.

Until a certain moment, when Shien encountered a three-headed monster he had seen in a picture book, a creature that existed many years ago and was now extinct, he finally became certain.

“These crazed beings are not from this era, but from ancient times.”

Indeed.

“They are ancient people who were driven mad and completely lost control by Lilith’s power.”

Lilith had once spread her evil aura across the land, using her power to turn countless beings into mindless, rampaging beasts, killing each other.

Those beings didn’t seem to recover after Lilith was sealed, but continued their rampage and madness, eventually being sealed along with her by the Divine Race.

Now that Lilith’s seal had weakened, these beings had awakened first, emerging from the temple and resuming their mad rampage.

They were the victims abandoned in ancient times. Because they had been driven mad for too long, their self-awareness had been erased, and they were now truly walking corpses who would never regain their sanity.

Understanding this, Shien couldn’t help but feel pity.

They hadn’t done anything wrong. They were just unlucky, no different from victims caught in a natural disaster.

“At least let you find peace.”

Enormous magic power surged from Shien’s body.

“[Bestow: Fire].”

Shien cast magic on the ground.

“Rumble—!”

The next moment, the ground trembled violently and burst into flames, creating endless waves of fire.

The fire swept over everything, as if the earth itself was burning, flames erupting from the ground like a volcanic eruption.

The flames consumed the roaring barbarians and beasts, burning them to ashes, returning them to dust.

Shien flew towards the temple, continuously creating waves of fire, incinerating the barbarians and beasts.

In the land of evil, within the black fog, a purgatory gradually formed, countless madmen consumed by the flames, finding peace.

“Huh?”

At this moment, Shien suddenly stopped.

He saw a familiar face.

A beautiful cat-girl was running unsteadily, her expression filled with pain.

“Ah…!”

Soon, the girl knelt on the ground, clutching her head, on the verge of losing her mind.

Her face was contorted in pain and struggle.

Clearly, she was almost at her limit.

Then…

“I… I don’t want to become a lunatic…”

The cat-girl gritted her teeth and took out a dagger from her pocket.

“Farewell, Saintess Elise…”

With a resolute expression, she pointed the dagger at her throat with trembling hands and thrust it in.

“Slap!”

With a crisp sound, the dagger in the girl’s hand was knocked away by a hand.

“You…!?”

The cat-girl was stunned, then she saw the newcomer and her eyes widened in shock.

“Yo, you’re Maeve, right?” Shien grinned. “We meet again. But isn’t it a bit too hasty to try to kill yourself as soon as we meet?”

Saying so, Shien reached out to Maeve.

“[Celestial Breathe].”

A miniature Milky Way appeared, showering Maeve with starlight like rain.

Maeve felt as if her mind and spirit, about to be consumed by negative emotions, had been cleansed, the negativity completely disappearing.

“This…”

Maeve’s mind cleared, and she shuddered, her face full of shock.

It… it was gone?