1014: Smoky

Smoky

This space, however wide it was, only held darkness inside it. 2

Jin Wang stood at the opening's edge and peered down towards the only source of light.

There was a small group of seven or so individuals moving up the stairways etched along the side of a great black pyramid.

Each step of the stairway was roughly 4 meters wide and 12 meters long with a height of two meters. It was quite obvious that whichever beings created the pyramid had quite large statures.

Jin Wang squinted his eyes and focused his hearing to eavesdrop on the seven intruders. At the front were two heavily armored individuals carrying giant two-meter-long shields in one hand and melee weapons in the other.

The one in the lead was carrying a golden mace matching the armor that exuded a light of its own along with a weak humming sound. Various sigils and runes were engraved on their surface both for convenience and protection.

Just behind these two was a very frail-looking bald youngster who Jin Wang recognized instantly as Dima, the first protector of the Temple.

The last four that were bringing up the rear all appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary, although their actual strength lied in the profound realm but was forcefully sealed at peak Spirit Realm.

They looked older as well with many battle scars all over their well-toned bodies. One among them wore a grey armor that shifted by itself every now and then. He was right behind Dima and from the looks of it the leader of the other three.

Other than Dima all the rest were covered in dark blotches in different places which obviously came from coming into direct contact with the corruption but somehow were not infected. It looked like the infection had been burned off leaving only its charred remnants behind.

They walked in silence for a few minutes until the stairs began to narrow. Dima cleared his throat and spoke in a low voice towards the individual in the lead.

"Lady Natalia, might I speak?"

The golden armored individual paused, took off the feathered helmet, and turned around to reveal her face decorated with a sharp brow and a cold expression of indifference that fit her a bit too well. (Ch 512)

"You needn't seek permission. As my husband-to-be, you have every right to voice your opinion."

Dima cringed visibly at the insinuation before chuckling lightheartedly.

"Haha, yes my apologies. How improper of me. I was just saying we can probably speed up a little bit. Ever since we entered this place none of those monsters have dared to follow us inside. I think it should be safe."

Lady Natalia's brow furrowed in confusion until she realized he was being serious. With a weak sigh she gestured towards the surrounding darkness with her chin.

"The cursed ones followed us for three days without rest. No matter where we went, how fast or dangerous it was they never stopped following for even a moment. Yet the moment we stepped into this place they all disappeared like ghosts."

"Do you not think that's even more suspicious? If there is something here that could scare even those mindless monsters then should we not also be cautious?"

Dima opened his mouth but no words came out. With a weak nod he also agreed.

"You are correct. Please continue."

Lady Natalia put on her helmet and continued moving forward one step at a time.

Jin Wang who was watching from afar could not believe his ears.

'A purifier! She is one of the three!' (Ch 814)

He was given that name ages ago by the Emperor. She was to be infected along with two others.

'My oh my, I did not expect them to fall right into my lap.'

Jin Wang took a step forward and walked on air heading directly to the top of the pyramid. But he stopped midway to peer into the surrounding darkness, squinting as hard as he could before a rough outline of a strange figure slowly took shape in front of his eyes.

When its outline became visible a weak whooshing sound also entered his ears. It sounded like slow and steady breathing.

'Good, it's still sound asleep. I'd hate for it to wake up before the promised time. It would do more harm than good since the Emperor is not here to placate the beast and it will not listen to anyone else.'

Once he was sure the beast was still in deep slumber Jin Wang continued to the top to prepare for the incoming party.

The area wasn't that big and there weren't many places to hide. The stairs opened right into the top level of the pyramid which was completely clear except for a single metal door located on the edge.

There was some debris and broken rocks here and there that had accumulated over the long years but that was it.

Jin Wang didn't waste any time and got to work. Since he couldn't harm them outright it would require a bit more effort on his part.

First, he reached into his pocket took out a box of pencil-thin candles. He lit them using the soul flame torch before quickly putting them out a second later. Then before the smoke could dissipate he threw them in various directions.

Next came some powder which he sprinkled at the last step of the stairs, a place they would definitely have to step on.

This went on for a few minutes until the sound of footsteps came from the stairs.

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