The Ancient Gods' Whisper

Anyone familiar with Forbidden Zones is aware of one universal truth.

Whether it's the Great Ruins or the Calamity Ruins, they are essentially exceedingly unique living entities. They absolutely loathe the scent of the Stone Statue Trees. As long as they catch even the faintest whiff of this aura, they will never approach, not once deviating from this behavior since the formation of the Forbidden Zones.

Thus, within the underground palace beneath the sea, the altar surrounded by Stone Statue Trees is considered absolutely safe.

However, the arrival of Gu Jianlin shattered this fundamental understanding. He forcefully commanded the Calamity Ruins to attack the investigators and Fallen here, even displaying a degree of command over them.

In the past, the Calamity Ruins could only stiffly utilize human thoughts to create illusions of mental erosion.

Now, under Gu Jianlin's direction, they've even started tricking people directly!

As the investigators and Fallen were trapped in the white mist, the battle seemed on the verge of concluding.

But Gu Jianlin knew the real crisis was just beginning.

On the parched, fissured ground, blood flowed like molten lava, roaring as it surged toward the depths of the darkness.

Vast spirituality, boundless life force.

With the ground's collapse into deafening ruptures, countless horrific fissures broke open. Rocks exploded into the air, and torrents of blood laden with immense spirituality spilled forth like a breached flood, only to be swallowed by the endless darkness.

Watching this scene, Gu Jianlin realized that this Blood Sacrifice would likely succeed.

The original Blood Sacrifice only required the Fallen to offer their blood and spirituality. But now, after such a brutal battle, they had even sacrificed their lives.

Thud, thud!

In the depths of the darkness, a thunderous heartbeat echoed.

"Awakening! He's about to awaken!"

Hasegawa Shinichi's hoarse, maniacal laughter rang out, laced with hysterical madness: "Evolution, this will be the evolution we've longed for, the key to our survival, the beginning of our revenge against the Association. One day, the Ether Association's lackeys will regret everything they've done to us!"

Suddenly, his body convulsed violently, his entire upper torso encased in a hardened exoskeleton. Like a grotesque, deformed insect, sharp, terrifying limbs sprouted from him.

With a sickening crack, he decapitated the two subordinates assisting him. Blood sprayed forth wildly, flowing toward the darkness.

"Hasegawa's so-called 'shared evolution' was indeed a lie."

The man in the black robe, who had been observing silently, let out a mocking chuckle.

Hasegawa Shinichi inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating scent of blood, and coldly remarked, "The Evolution Path is, of course, a privilege for you and me alone. Besides, these people are utterly useless. I only hope that great being awakens soon. Among those lackeys from the Association, I just spotted someone who looks very familiar. I want to…"

Before he could finish, a sudden change erupted!

The sea tides above the dome surged violently, and dark shadows pierced through the water, diving downward!

Terror exploded in the eyes of both Hasegawa Shinichi and the man in the black robe!

Impossible!

These people were still alive?!

Gu Jianlin thought, as expected, the Captains had always been here!

"No. 1, release perception and control the field."

"Acknowledged."

"No. 2, reactivate the magnetic field and restore communications."

"Acknowledged."

"No. 3, dispel the white mist and prepare for rescue."

"Acknowledged."

"No. 4, lock onto the target and prepare to strike."

"Acknowledged."

"Everyone in position. Begin the operation."

Boom!

At that moment, Gu Jianlin squinted his eyes and saw the figures descending from above.

A total of twelve people—the Captains!

The one who landed first was Chen Qing.

As a Third Rank on the Spirit Medium Path, her perception abilities were unparalleled. Her beautiful eyes emitted a misty, pale glow, as her mental will connected all twelve Captains, sharing their five senses!

Another slender boy dropped to the ground, his palms touching it as it roared under his touch.

Scattered phones and communication devices lying on the ground started crackling instantly.

The magnetic field within the Forbidden Zone had been forcibly altered, and communication devices were now operational!

Among them stood a familiar, graceful figure—Lin Wanqiu.

Her long, wavy hair danced in the wind, and her lab coat flailed dramatically as sacred light illuminated her pupils, immediately enveloping the entire Sacrificial Ground.

The Calamity Ruins in the white mist, seemingly sensing danger, retreated rapidly.

Meanwhile, all the Ether Association members present were fully healed.

At that moment, a refined-looking young man, blood trickling ominously from his eyes, gazed into the deepest part of the darkness and murmured solemnly, "Life signals at Divine Servant Level and above! Everyone, be cautious!"

Bang, bang, bang!

Six Fourth Rank Captain Level figures landed on the ground simultaneously.

Leading the charge was a burly man in a trench coat, descending like a cannonball. He unleashed a terrifying surge of chaotic Qi Force, boiling and blazing like molten magma, as his gaze pierced into the depths of the darkness.

The leader of this operation team on-site—Wang Bolin.

"Advance!"

Wang Bolin roared and charged into the darkness.

Lin Wanqiu followed close behind with three other Captain Levels.

Bringing up the rear was a man with a lollipop in his mouth, an air of idle nonchalance surrounding him, and his hands stuffed in his pockets.

Lu Zicheng!

Upon seeing him, Gu Jianlin caught Lu Zicheng glancing back as if sensing his gaze. He flashed a knowing, cryptic smile.

With a thunderous boom, the ground crumbled beneath them.

True Fourth Rank combatants had reached the Superdimensional Level.

The six Captain Levels vanished from their positions instantly, diving into the darkness.