I Am Your Natural Enemy

Chapter 437: Chapter 182: Reverse Descent, an Earth City (6k)_2

After performing the three kneels and nine bows, the man strode towards the city walls. The dilapidated city gate slowly opened, accompanied by an unpleasant, grinding SQUEAK. As the man entered, two armor-clad figures stood at the gate to welcome him. Their faces were obscured, and black flames seemingly burned on their bodies.

”I am here by command of the current Sect Hierarch to pay respects to the Sacred Fire,” the man said.

He arrived at the very center of the city. Feeling the power in the flames burning atop the high tower of the grand altar, the man devoutly knelt. He then softly began to chant scriptures.

Behind him, however, two armored War Souls, cloaked from head to toe, approached.

A short spear flew out, pinning one of his feet to the ground. With a cry of pain, the man struggled just as his other foot was also nailed down.

Several robed Ghosts walked out from the surroundings. They expressionlessly watched the man as they pulled at his body, nailing his hands to the ground as well.

The man cried out, proclaiming he was sent by the current Sect Hierarch, but it was to no avail. He tried to leave the Netherworld directly, only to see blue flames scorching him, forcefully suppressing the faint light emanating from his body.

Soon, a figure floated over. He wore the Serpent Crown, was draped in a long robe, and had cheeks like a dried corpse. He nodded at the man on the ground.

A War Soul knelt on one knee and gave thanks. Then, it moved forward and thrust a hand into the man’s back. The War Soul’s figure gradually shrank, turning into a black mist before disappearing into the man’s body.

The Sect Hierarch, who wore the Serpent Crown and looked like a dried corpse, stepped forward. He extended a withered hand to rest on the man’s head.

”You are devout, brave, and fortunate. Thus, I bestow upon you the highest honor: You shall be the envoy,” he said.

The man was confused. As far as he recalled, there wasn’t any such ritual in the Sacred Fire Sect, was there?

But the spears stuck in his limbs were removed, and the flames on his body disappeared. The Sect Hierarch even personally helped him up. He then realized this must be a long-lost ceremony.

It was only a few days ago that the Sacred Fire Sect learned of the matters concerning the Netherworld. They had only a few peripheral members left in the northern Divine Land. True believers had just entered the Northwest Divine Land over the past few days and did not dare to venture south for the time being.

After much effort, three members finally gained the qualifications to enter the Netherworld. After searching for so many days, one member was extremely lucky to have seen the Sacred Fire tower serving as a beacon in the wilderness.

The Sect Hierarch raised his hand, encouraging the man. People beside him also signaled that the man could return and report.

The man looked expectantly at the blazing Sacred Fire. The faint light on his body flickered, and he transformed into a streak of light, disappearing from sight.

The Sect Hierarch tilted his head slightly, a hoarse laugh escaping his throat. He stood on the elevated altar, arms outstretched, gazing at the Ghosts filling the city.

”As long as the Sacred Fire burns, life goes on endlessly. With the Sacred Fire rekindled, our opportunity has finally come. This time, there is nothing to stand in our way,” he proclaimed.

All the Ghosts in the city knelt, their eyes filled with greed and anticipation.

The flames on the high tower burned even more intensely, WHOOSHING as they emitted light and heat.

...

In a small town in the Northwest Divine Land, a man opened his eyes and suddenly sat up in bed.

He looked at his hands and feet, noticing a mark slowly appearing on them. Bare-chested, he went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. A helmet tattoo had formed on his back, but there were no other apparent changes.

He didn’t know what honor had been bestowed upon him. In fact, he wasn’t too clear about it. He had only been recruited as a peripheral member of the Sacred Fire Sect last year because they paid well and were quite generous.

He took out a new phone and called his superior. He reported that he had indeed found the Sacred Fire of the Sacred Fire Sect in the Netherworld. He also mentioned seeing a city full of Ghosts and a man wearing the Serpent Crown.

His superior praised him greatly and immediately promoted him to a formal believer. He then transferred 100,000 yuan to the man, explaining that this was just the first month’s benefits and didn’t include the reward for this specific achievement.

He had made a significant contribution. The reward would surely not be mere money. It had to be reported to the higher-ups, who would decide what to give him.

”Can I immigrate?” he asked.

”Of course, as long as you wish,” came the reply.

After about fifteen minutes, his phone rang again. His superior told him someone was coming to pick him up.

A dirty, ordinary car took him out of the small town. After getting on the highway, they reached an intersection. Suddenly, another vehicle swerved and hit the rear side of his car. His car twisted and then rolled over.

The car’s right A-pillar heavily struck a concrete divider, deforming on impact. The man in the passenger seat should have been crushed instantly. However, a black substance surged from within him, creating a space that shielded him.

In an instant, his form transformed into a figure clad in black armor.

In a place unseen by ordinary eyes, the man’s Soul was torn apart. It was then devoured by the armored figure, which had opened a terrifying, blood-red maw.

Seconds later, the tumbling car came to a stop. The armor vanished from the man, who now appeared calm. With a gentle push, he opened the deformed car door and stepped out.