Chapter 358 Witnessing a Legend’s Fall

A full day and night passed, and the seven professionals, having absorbed the Divine Source, did not leave this place but remained for a while longer. During this time, the mental energy and magical power generated from the Divine Source crystal absorbed by Shaoke were equal to what he would produce through three to five years of intense meditation. At this point, the Divine Source crystal had only shrunk by less than a tenth, meaning that if the mage fully absorbed the whole crystal, it would be like fifty years of hard work.

Over the next ten days or so, the group cautiously rested in this massive crevice. If they sensed no hostile alliance professionals entering the area, they focused entirely on comprehending the changes brought by the Divine Source crystal, striving to accelerate their absorption. If hostile professionals did enter, they would often launch sudden attacks, frantically hunting them down and plundering their golden light clusters and the treasures they carried. Shaoke, for his part, cut off the heads of every professional he killed, preserved them using an arcane secret, and stored them away.

"We shouldn't stay here any longer," Shaoke said one day after fully absorbing the Divine Source crystal, suggesting to the others. "Two small enemy teams have already been hunted by us here. I think they must have sensed something. The longer we stay, the greater the danger we'll face." After speaking, Shaoke cast a questioning glance at the other professionals, who had finished absorbing the Divine Source crystal earlier than him and were now absorbing the scattered memories.

A warrior suddenly opened his eyes, a faint golden light shimmering over them, indicating that he was now strong enough to challenge the Ninth Rank. "I want to leave," he said, unhesitatingly stating his reason for leaving. "I can now break through to the Ninth Rank. Staying here any longer is of little use." He looked calmly at the group, knowing that if the team lost another member, they would no longer be able to hunt hostile alliance professionals and would instead easily become prey themselves.

"Perhaps you should first go to the Maple Leaf Empire to claim your reward. I believe no one here will stop you," a white-robed mage said with a sigh, voicing his thoughts. The others had no good reason to prevent the warrior from leaving, so they reluctantly let him go. Shaoke said nothing, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, resting. He was now indifferent to such matters, having already gained enough benefits from this chaotic battlefield.

The atmosphere fell silent until another warrior spoke up: "We should escort you out of here together. It's more dangerous for you to go alone." This suggestion was accepted by everyone except Shaoke, who shook his head in refusal. He didn't want to waste unnecessary time escorting the warrior, preferring to stay and absorb the memories of the Divine Avatars rather than accompany him.

"Mage Xueye, staying here alone is very dangerous. There are no low-tier professionals traveling alone on this battlefield anymore," said a young-looking mage who had a good impression of Shaoke, offering a kind reminder. The others also tried to persuade him. After some hesitation, Shaoke agreed to escort the warrior out of the heartland of the Luanyun Empire to the border. Once they reached another empire, the Eighth Tier warrior could safely travel alone to the Maple Leaf Empire. Of course, there were other places to claim rewards, but it was unclear what the warrior would choose.

Having made the decision, the group no longer lingered. With nothing to pack, they quickly flew out of the massive crevice and headed toward the battlefield's periphery based on their map.

The journey was smooth at first. They encountered only one small hostile alliance team, which outnumbered them. After some skirmishing, Shaoke relied on releasing an "Eternal Night Death" to kill those eight or nine professionals. Fortunately, there were no Ninth Rank professionals in that team, so the group suffered no fatalities, only some injuries. Shaoke was particularly badly hurt, having single-handedly fought a warrior and two mages before being pierced through the shoulder by an arrow from an enemy archer.

Thanks to his rich combat experience, Shaoke used a defensive spell scroll at the critical moment to largely block the arrow, preventing the aura carried by it from blasting him into pulp. Even so, his right arm fell off from the shoulder due to the arrow's impact.

After applying some precious medicine to heal his right arm, the group traveled for another three or four days before finally reaching the border. Few people remained there; the once endless camps were mostly gone. At this point, the warrior nearing the Ninth Rank parted ways with Shaoke and the others to pursue his dreams.

"We part here," said the mage familiar with Shaoke, taking out his identity scepter and fiddling with it. "If I go back into the battlefield, I'm not sure I'll survive." He sighed, having gained enough benefits from the war and unwilling to take further risks. The departure of his companion reinforced this decision, and the others agreed to split up as well.

"Mage Xueye, what about you?" the only remaining warrior asked, looking at Shaoke. He still wanted to return to the battlefield for more gains, but with fewer companions, he dared not enter that area again. Fewer professionals remained on the battlefield, especially Eighth-order practitioners. If they stayed, they would be more likely to encounter Ninth or even Tenth Tier teams, which would be disastrous. He wanted benefits, not to lose his life recklessly.

Shaoke thought for a moment and finally nodded in reply: "I'll claim the reward from the Maple Leaf Empire and then leave here." He too felt uneasy now. The sight of those three top-tier professionals casually hunting Divine Avatars seemed eerie. If the hostile alliance also sent such professionals capable of easily capturing Divine Avatars to roam here, and if one took a dislike to him, he would have no chance to resist.

Shaoke's answer relieved the other professionals slightly. Years of companionship had fostered some emotional bonds among them, and they were unwilling to see a comrade die needlessly. Finally, they exchanged the names of their home countries and affiliated organizations, left contact methods, and then claimed their rewards from the Maple Leaf Empire together.

In Shaoke's view, the Maple Leaf Empire's rewards far exceeded those of the Blue Feather Empire: abundant magical materials, regular magical fruits, and thousands of books for them to choose from. Most of these books were ancient copies, not originals, but they were still very helpful. Each person received a large-capacity ring for storing items.

Most importantly, the Maple Leaf Empire prepared a wide array of magical items for selection. Though not very powerful, they were precious to Shaoke. He chose a black cloak and several small items sealed with Eighth Tier spells. As for a staff, he didn't pick one but exchanged the staff he had for a scroll inscribed with a Ninth Tier spell from the empire's representative there. After all this, they had a final meal together and parted ways.

The battle in the Luanyun Empire continued, but it no longer concerned Shaoke. He now only wanted to return to the Blue Feather Empire as quickly as possible to see Mage Roman and the White-robed Cleric. More importantly, he wanted to discuss the experience of advancing to the Ninth Rank with the Blue-robed Female Mage, as he felt he was nearing that breakthrough himself—all thanks to the Divine Source crystals he had obtained from so many Divine Avatars.

The Luanyun Empire was separated from the Blue Feather Empire by dozens of nations. Since there was no single-person teleportation available for the return journey, Shaoke had to travel alone, slowly flying toward the Blue Feather Empire. He told himself this was part of his own journey.

The empire bordering the Luanyun Empire had not suffered massive destruction from the fierce battles. Instead, it had briefly prospered due to the influx of soldiers at the war's start. To avoid misunderstandings, Shaoke traveled by carriage during the day and flew at night.

One day, while studying ancient magic scripts in his carriage, it suddenly stopped. The coachman called through the curtain, "Honorable Mage, a noble's carriage is coming from behind. We must give way." The coachman didn't sound too worried, since mages were more common here than in the Blue Feather Empire and not as feared.

"Mm," Shaoke replied softly, then ignored it, leaning back on his cushion to continue his studies. Immersed in learning, the mage paid no attention to the outside world unless hostility arose. When the coachman reminded him again, he realized night had fallen, and they had stopped in a bustling small town. The coachman ended his employment here.

After paying the coachman generously, Shaoke pulled his cloak tight and found a tavern in the town. It was large, comparable to those in small cities. As he entered, the patrons glanced at him briefly before resuming their conversations.

They were talking about the empire's current situation, but Shaoke didn't pay much attention. He ordered some water and meat slices and began to eat.

"Do you think the Maple Leaf Empire will catch the princess of the Luanyun Empire?" a female mercenary asked loudly, holding a mug of cheap rum. "I heard she's very beautiful."

Her companion replied loudly, "How many years have you been discussing this? If not for her beauty, would the Maple Leaf Empire have started a war over her?" He shook his head, grabbed a handful of nuts, and crudely shelled them to eat.

These remarks almost made Shaoke laugh. He found it amusing that, after so many years, with no ordinary people left on the Luanyun Empire's soil, these folks still enjoyed discussing such matters. The whole "princess affair" just made him shake his head.

"Actually, it's all the fault of those so-called gods. Why couldn't they stay in their own world? Why come here? If we worship them, can we gain immortality? Can we get everything we want?" a plainly dressed bard strummed his harp softly and sang an ancient ballad in a strange tone.

The ballad told of gods coming to this world, sparking brutal battles that killed countless civilians, with their souls being twisted by the gods and burned over flames for millennia.

The ballad mentioned over a dozen names, all of whom had slain gods independently, saving the common folk from the faith power exploited by the deities. Finally, most of the tavern patrons joined him in singing. Shaoke’s vision blurred as he recalled the arduous battles he had endured in the Luanyun Empire over the past thirty-plus years.

“The gods are great.” Just as Shaoke was reminiscing, he suddenly sensed a faint trace of Ritualist power, which instantly put him on guard. This was a reflex honed from his long-term combat experience.

His gaze locked onto an elderly man in a secluded corner of the tavern. The old man appeared very frail, dressed in a simple white robe that wrapped around his gaunt frame. On the table before him sat a small plate of bread slices and a steaming bowl of oatmeal.

The old man quickly noticed Shaoke’s stare, then offered a natural smile, his pale face lighting up before bending down to continue his dinner. However, the mage across the room kept his eyes fixed on him, knowing that the ritualist’s aura had definitely come from him.

After a long while, the old man finished his meal, paid, and left the tavern. Shaoke followed closely behind him, heading out of the town.

Outside the town was a modest grove where the townspeople gathered firewood. The old man sat beneath a large tree, patting the spot beside him to indicate that Shaoke could sit there.

“Shall we talk?” Shaoke watched him warily, uncertain of the Ritualist’s tier. He knew that this old man’s strength far exceeded his own; those who could conceal their aura so thoroughly were likely tenth-tier professionals or above.

“Yes, young man. I am already injured and have no desire to fight you anymore.” The old man gestured again to the spot beside him, inviting Shaoke to sit. “I was once a Legendary Priest. Even now, wounded as I am, killing an Eighth Tier Mage like you would be an easy matter.” With that, he closed his eyes and fell silent. Yet occasionally, faint white light flickered from his body—the hallmark of priestly power. This time, Shaoke hesitated no more and sat down beside the old man, appearing defenseless.

“Which empire are you from?” the old man asked, leaning against the trunk. “It seems you’ve just left that war.” He then took a cup from his ring, poured some wine, and savored it slowly. He did not offer any to Shaoke, having noticed during dinner that the mage drank only water.

The mage quickly answered the legendary old man’s question, then asked uncertainly, “Why didn’t you kill me?” He gripped his staff tightly, fearing a sudden attack.

“No Legendary Master would harm a low-order being,” replied the old Ritualist, calmly swirling his cup. “The Blue Feather Empire… that should be close to the Misty Forest, I recall. I once traveled there, but it’s been many years since I last visited.” He then suddenly turned to Shaoke. “Do you have any Snow Bee Queen honey? It’s been ages since I last tasted it.”

Shaoke nodded and produced some honey, handing it to the old man. Mage Roman had arranged it for him via the Blizzard Trade Guild before he left for the war. Only a small lump the size of an infant’s fist remained. The old Ritualist accepted it excitedly and licked it without ceremony.

“Can you tell me why the fighting continues even after the fall of the Luanyun Empire?” Shaoke asked after a pause, voicing his confusion. He desperately wanted to understand why so many high-tier beings were being sent to fight over a desolate, uninhabited land. In his view, it was highly irrational.

The old man quickly finished the honey, then drank some wine with satisfaction. “These matters are beyond your understanding. Only the emperors of these empires and those of the Thirteenth Tier know the truth. No one else does.” He added, “If you ever become a Legendary being and wish to know, it might be possible.”

“The Primordial Continent has finally awakened,” the old Ritualist sighed. “Who can say whether this is good or bad? It’s rare now to see a mage still bearing the aura of the Ancient Spellcasters. You surprise me.” He chuckled softly to himself and then fell silent.

Shaoke hesitated before asking, “Honorable Ritualist, may I know why?”

“Of course.” The white light on the Legendary Ritualist’s body grew stronger, and his face paled further. “After this battle, no nations that worship the gods will remain on this continent. Do you think that will bring peace?” He reached out to touch the white motes of light in the air, the external manifestation of his dissipating power. “Ignorant people! All life comes to an end, even the gods.”

The old man spoke with Shaoke for a while longer on matters far beyond the mage’s current understanding. Finally, he sighed, “I thought I was no longer afraid of death, but I find I still am. Ah, time!” Ignoring Shaoke’s surprise, he turned abruptly and said, “The things I leave behind after my death will likely help you in the future. Keep them well.” Then he closed his eyes. The plain, heavily worn silver cup slipped from his hand, and his breath ceased entirely. Only a few traces of crimson liquid seeped slowly into the grass.

Under Shaoke’s astonished gaze, the Legendary Ritualist’s body began to burn slowly with a silver-white flame. The fire continued until dawn, and Shaoke stood upright, following the ancient spellcaster’s rites, until the flames vanished.

In the place where the fire had been, a crystalline skull remained. It bore no flesh, and inside the skull was an eighteen-layered altar. At the pinnacle of the altar, a milky-white flame burned quietly, beautiful to behold. The altar was covered in tiny magic scripts, but when Shaoke extended his mental energy to probe it, he found nothing. His mental energy pierced easily through the entire skull, as if it didn’t exist. Finally, he placed the skull into his ring and continued his journey, as if the fall of a Legendary Being had never occurred. Of course, he later recorded this incident in detail in his spell record—the only way he could commemorate that Legendary figure.

Apart from the Legendary’s skull, nothing else remained. Everything else on his body had been incinerated by the flames. Even the silver cup that had fallen to the ground was completely consumed, leaving no trace in this world.

For an ordinary person, a long journey would be tedious, but for Shaoke, an Eighth Tier Mage, it had no impact. Along the way, whenever he passed through an empire, he would spend time there studying—not learning spells, but acquiring various kinds of knowledge, much like the ancient mages. Eventually, he even gave up flying and traveled the Primordial Continent on foot.

He served as a guard for common merchants, engaged in long conversations with low-ranking nobles, and participated in academic discussions with scholars. For a year, he even taught young children to read in an ordinary academy. Most of his time, however, was spent in the public libraries of each empire, acquiring knowledge he had never encountered before. Thanks to his powerful mental strength, he could easily memorize vast amounts of information through his Arcane Secrets. It was not until more than twenty years later that he finally returned to the Blue Feather Empire.