The Ancient Gods' Whisper

Miss Lan glanced at the fat man and thought to herself, "This isn't about you."

It's for his girlfriend.

How could a two-hundred-pound fat man ever compare to someone's beautiful, delicate little girlfriend?

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At the top of Bren Hill's cabin, a man lay on a beach chair, resting his cheek on his palm, seemingly relaxed.

It was a man with cascading black hair, his face marked with unsettling deep-purple spells, his muscular upper body bare, and his bronzed skin covered with vicious tattoos—a devil writhing in Hell, tilting its head to sing a blood-soaked hymn, eerie and ominous.

"Over so many years, others in the Dark World have tried to emulate the King, ringing the bell."

The tablet was firmly fixed in its stand, the screen paused at the moment a boy stepped on a fallen head. His expressionless face exuded a sense of arrogant dominance over the world.

"But unfortunately, none of them ever carried the King's essence."

He chuckled to himself, his voice dry: "Only this little guy—yes, he does resemble the King. Fascinating, isn't it?"

A woman cloaked entirely in a Wizard Robe held a crystal ball in her arms and calmly asked, "Lord Youming, this boy appeared suddenly, and the woman at his side is also an unfamiliar face."

The people attending the auction tonight likely wouldn't imagine it.

The Ruler of the You Ying Group, a titan of the Dark World, Lord Youming of Demigod Rank, sat atop the cabin's gallery, where the sea breeze swept through, gazing at the brightly lit bay at night.

"It's unnecessary for now."

Youming smiled: "Two little ones won't stir up much of a storm. Even if they belong to the Ether Association, it wouldn't prevent them from joining You Ying Group. When the time comes, I'll personally capture them and educate them."

"The King said he doesn't care about your origins, nor your secrets. As long as you do what you're told."

He added, "Just like you following me. Hel, why do you serve me?"

The woman named Hel lifted her head, caressing the crystal ball in her hands, and replied with a hint of fervor, "Of course, to follow you. I am captivated by your charisma."

"No, no, no, you're not captivated by my charisma; it's because of the King!"

Youming said seriously, "Everything I have, I learned from the King—do you understand?"

Hel froze for a moment and then said, "Understood."

Youming's role as the Ether Association's Vice President wasn't much of a secret—everyone knew.

He was also a devout believer in the Red King.

Many assumed he was personally groomed by the King, thus his undying gratitude.

But that wasn't the truth.

In reality, Youming had no direct connection to the King.

His seniority within the Dark World wasn't the oldest either.

Before defecting, Youming had been the Ji Family's adopted son.

Born into a prestigious and upright lineage, his background was formidable, his talents exceptional.

He carried high expectations.

However, the Ether Association indulged him excessively back then, neglecting ideological guidance. This allowed him to access classified files about the Red King. From that moment, his obsession spiraled out of control.

He even went as far as forsaking his position as Vice President of the Ether Association to defect to the Dark World.

Imitating the Red King's feats.

At this moment, Youming suddenly raised his hand, conjuring a weathered notebook from the Void.

He carefully opened it to a bookmarked page.

"It's strange—the King's prophecies have surged over the past two years, surpassing those of the past two hundred years combined. Is it because the true apocalypse is approaching?"

He remarked in awe, "Even though I don't know why the King wanted us to re-enact the Ancient Catastrophe at tonight's auction, what happens after midnight will surely be interesting."

The Demigod seemed almost possessed as he muttered to himself.

Hel glanced at the ancient notebook. Despite trying to contain herself, her eyes betrayed a deep greed.

In the Dark World, the notebook was known as a legendary Holy Object.

The Red King's notebook.

In many people's eyes, it was as precious as Mythical Weapons, even surpassing Breathing Techniques and Forbidden Spells in value.

Because it was the Red King's most valuable legacy before his death.

It accurately foretold major events for the two hundred years following his demise.

Why accurately? Because everything he had predicted thus far had come true.

As for Youming's zeal—before defecting, he had merely admired the Red King's philosophy.

But after seeing the notebook, he became the King's most fanatical follower—bar none.

Because one page contained these words:

"June 4, 2003—former Vice President of the Ether Association, codename Youming, assumes control of the You Ying Group."

This prophecy was left by the Red King two hundred years ago.

At that time, Youming hadn't even been born yet.

After the news spread, all Spirit Mediums and Divination Masters among the Ascenders went mad.

They all wanted to know how the Red King had managed it, but there has never been an answer.

"So that's it. It seems the Ether Association is also after the Ancient God's Blood. Makes sense—this thing can create Divine Servants. Perhaps it's a Supreme or Primordial's conspiracy. Even if it's not, an extra Divine Servant appearing out of thin air wouldn't be good for them either."

Youming said with interest, "Too bad I don't know who's coming tonight. I wonder if I'll get to practice a bit."

Hel asked, "Do you need divination?"

"Heh, do I need it?"