Chapter 346: What… what is this?
Boom!
In just an instant, the overwhelming force of the dark energy surged around the altar like a raging river.
The chilling aura it carried was enough to make any living being—or even spirits—tremble in fear.
The immense energy, like a giant beast, devoured everything beyond the altar, causing even the twelve stone pillars to shudder slightly.
Despite the pain, Erelyn summoned the last bit of her strength.
Boom!
At the very center of the swirling dark energy, an eye suddenly opened in the void.
The eye was a deep blue, mysterious and eerie, as if it could pierce through the entire Netherworld.
And the scenes reflected in that eye appeared like fleeting images in Erelyn's own gaze.
The vast Netherworld, with its billions of souls and endless lands, all unfolded before her eyes.
Every spirit that happened to glance at the sky in the Netherworld was instantly struck with shock and terror.
They were horrified to discover that a rift had appeared in the sky.
And within that rift, an eye emerged.
A deep, penetrating eye that seemed capable of seeing through everything, filling every spirit with an overwhelming sense of dread.
"The Eye of the Underworld!"
This eye could see every corner of the Netherworld, and only the heir to the Underworld Dynasty had the right to activate it.
Carrying the oppressive power of the King of the Underworld, this eye could strike fear into the heart of any spirit.
Whether it was a sprawling city or a narrow alley,whether it was a bustling tavern or a cramped room.
Every corner of the Netherworld was laid bare under the gaze of this eye.
It seemed as though nothing in the entire Netherworld could escape its scrutiny.
But as the Eye of the Underworld swept over the final stretch of the Netherworld, the deep blue eye suddenly froze.
At the same moment, Erelyn's body trembled slightly at the center of the altar.
"It's really… her!"
Her gaze was dazed, and her expression was filled with shock.
A wave of weakness washed over her, making it hard for her to stay on her feet.
The Eye of the Underworld had drained her greatly. After scanning the entire Netherworld, Erelyn's soul energy was nearly depleted.
She staggered, almost collapsing from exhaustion.
But Sylvia appeared quickly, gently supporting her soul, helping Erelyn lean against one of the stone pillars.
"So, who is it? Did you find her?" Timothy asked, stepping forward, his expression serious.
Erelyn bit her lip, clearly hesitant and conflicted.
"Yeah, I found her… I just didn't expect it to be her.
She's the new Keeper of the Soulbridge, and she's been guarding the Bridge of Souls in the Netherworld for over ten thousand years."
"The Keeper of the Soulbridge?" Timothy frowned slightly.
Based on the description, it was clear that this Keeper held a significant position in the Netherworld of the Elant continent.
But to think that someone so crucial—responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife—would do something like this.
If she had been stationed at the Bridge of Souls for ten thousand years, why would she suddenly turn against both the Netherworld and the Elant continent?
Though Timothy could sense that something must have changed, he had no intention of showing mercy.
It had been quite some time since he and Sylvia left the Elant continent—nearly half a month now.
If they delayed any longer, the barrier of the Sepulcher of the Sacred could be completely shattered.
When that happens, the Holy Emperor's corpse would enter the Elant continent, bringing devastation to all life.
More importantly, resolving the chaos at the Sepulcher of the Sacred and eliminating the Keeper of the Soulbridge in the Netherworld was crucial.
Completing this mission would grant him the long-awaited reward: the path to the realm of the Holy Emperor.
"Even within the Netherworld, not even a Holy Emperor-level powerhouse can traverse the void. But, Princess, since you control the entire Netherworld, could you open a path to the Bridge of Souls?" Timothy asked directly, his tone urgent.
Erelyn hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback. "I do have a way to manipulate spatial forces, but what exactly are you planning?"
She paused, her voice tinged with concern. "I don't know much, but I've heard that the Keeper of the Soulbridge was a Supreme Emperor-level figure in life. Even after guarding the Bridge of Souls for tens of thousands of years, her strength, though diminished, is likely still unfathomable. If you go, it could be incredibly dangerous."
Erelyn's expression showed clear worry as she struggled to stand, her body too weak to do more than lean against the wall. It was obvious she wasn't eager to tear open space and send them to the Bridge of Souls. Even the ghostly blue crown on her head seemed to droop, resting against the wall in defeat.
"Don't worry," Timothy said, his voice steady and resolute. "No matter how strong she was, she's still a spirit that's been worn down by millennia. Besides, I have the goddess with me."
His gaze was unwavering, showing no trace of hesitation.
Erelyn, still in shock, suddenly felt something strange. Timothy had raised his hand, hovering it just above her arm, and she could sense a deliberate release of energy.
The moment his hand made contact, Erelyn was overwhelmed by an intense, searing heat. The terrifying temperature felt as though it could incinerate everything into ash.
But what was even more alarming was the purity of the divine energy mixed within the heat. It seemed to have an inherent power that suppressed and restrained spirits at their very core.
Erelyn, as the ruler of the Netherworld, was no ordinary spirit. The crown on her head symbolized her authority, and the dark energy that swirled around her soul was far beyond what any common ghost could muster.
Yet, even she felt a deep sense of fear in the face of this holy, burning power. It was as if something deep within her—her very essence—was trembling uncontrollably.
"What… what is this?" Erelyn's eyes widened in shock.
This sensation… she had heard of it before, perhaps even read about it in some ancient text. But in this moment, she couldn't bring herself to believe it.
"Could it really be… that? But that kind of physique hasn't appeared in thousands, maybe tens of thousands of years! Is it even possible?"
And yet… it had reached such a terrifying level!
Erelyn stared at Timothy, still unable to fully accept the absurd thought forming in her mind.
But then she noticed something else—Timothy's expression hadn't changed at all. Instead, faint golden patterns began to slowly emerge on his arms. Though they weren't fully activated, the soft golden lines radiated an incredibly powerful aura.
Solid as a rock. Divine and majestic.
As the patterns flowed, it was as if they commanded the respect and awe of all spirits.
Finally, the realization hit Erelyn like a bolt of lightning. The thing she had been too afraid to even consider now seemed undeniable.
The Ancient Saintly Body.
A physique so feared by both the Elant continent and the Netherworld, yet one that hadn't been seen in countless years.
At last, Erelyn made up her mind. Slowly, she raised her hand.
The crown on her head glowed with a dark blue light, and before her, the space began to tear open, revealing a rift.