A deafening rumble shook the earth, causing dust to cascade from above. Two immense forces created shockwaves that spread out, fierce winds akin to razor-sharp blades. Leo swiftly used Spiritual Power to create a protective barrier in front of him.
Despite his efforts, the powerful shockwaves pushed him into a corner, compressing the shield and leaving Leo gasping for breath.
The Demon Cultivator retreated three steps, his expression grim. Observing the dark figure standing still on the stone steps, transitioning between human and beast forms.
“Both of you will die today!” A sinister and terrifying voice echoed from all directions, sending shivers down the spine, “Your souls will be sacrificed to the great Lord.”
The Demon Cultivator’s lips moved slightly, revealing a seal in his hand. Carved into a dragon-tiger shape, the seal was his signature spiritual weapon-the Dragon-Tiger Divine Seal.
Throwing the seal into the air, it transformed into a green dragon and a white tiger, rushing towards the dark figure. The black figure’s giant hands split in two, one reaching for the dragon and the other for the tiger.
Despite the dragon and tiger’s agile struggle under the Demon Cultivator’s control, they were eventually captured by the black hands. The dragon and tiger, though vigorous, were no match for these dark forces.
Drawing two talismans from his body, the Demon Cultivator pricked his index fingers, smearing blood on the floating talismans. With different gestures from both hands, he used his blood to empower the talismans, imbuing them with fierce power.
The talismans turned into two streams of light that entered the bodies of the dragon and tiger. The dragon roared deafeningly, while the tiger exhaled thunderously, causing their bodies to grow twice in size.
The dragon tore the black hands gripping it, while the tiger devoured the black hands into its belly. With a roar, the dragon and tiger charged towards the dark figure.
The figure split into two, merging into the dragon and tiger’s bodies. A moment of silence enveloped the chamber before a deafening explosion, causing both the dragon and tiger to detonate.
The Divine Seal reappeared in the Demon Cultivator’s hand, but cracks marred its surface. Spitting out a mouthful of blood, he was left shocked.
The loud noise caused Leo’s eardrums to ache, the powerful shockwave tearing through his protective barrier. The entire cave trembled violently, on the brink of collapse.
In such a situation, there was no time to waste. As Leo ran out of the cave, he glanced back at the Demon Cultivator.
He stood motionless, staring fixedly at the Nine Heaven Star Disk in the statue’s hand on the platform above.
Running back through the cave, up the stairs, through the labyrinth, Leo reached the third-level chamber. Escaping quickly using Wind Talismans, the space continued to tremble with the risk of total collapse.
Looking back at the center of the chamber, the Door of Repentance lay in ruins, destroyed by the Demon Cultivator. Passing through the corridor and heading upwards, Leo burst out of the opening.
As he landed, the earth trembled, and the cave entrance spewed out dust before completely sealing shut with rubble and earth.
Professor Orlando and the others looked nervous, supporting each other to avoid falling to the ground.
Rita, afraid, asked, “Professor, what’s happening? How can there be an earthquake?”
Professor Orlando replied tensely, “It doesn’t seem like an earthquake. Could it be the ancient tomb palace…”
Before Professor Orlando could finish his sentence, his expression changed from nervousness to fear.
The deafening sound of rumbling echoed, and right before their eyes, the towering Black Crow Mountain began to collapse from the ground. Countless rocks tumbled down, creating a cloud of dust.
After about five or six minutes, calm returned, and Black Crow Mountain had sunk almost ten meters into the ground.
At that moment, the previously sealed entrance erupted in a cloud of dust, and a figure emerged from the ground.
Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Demon Cultivator.
The Demon Cultivator appeared disheveled, covered in dust from his hair bun to his tattered black robe, resembling a beggar.
He seemed to be holding something in his hand, glanced at Leo standing nearby with a hint of smug arrogance, and then vanished into a black shadow.
It appeared that the Demon Cultivator had obtained the Nine Heaven Star Disk.
Leo, unaware of the significance of the Nine Heaven Star Disk, brushed off the dust from his body and walked towards Professor Orlando and the others.
Frederic and Rita were still in shock from the recent events.
Concerned, Professor Orlando asked, “Dr. Bloomer, what… happened?”
Leo explained, “Professor Orlando, there is indeed a massive structure beneath Black Crow Mountain, but it doesn’t seem to be an ancient tomb. I’m not sure what this structure is for or its purpose.”
“The underground structure has completely collapsed, forever buried beneath Black Crow Mountain. I’ve taken some photos, and I’ll send them to you later.”
Hearing Leo’s words, Professor Orlando couldn’t help but sigh.
Driving back with Professor Orlando and the others towards Green Plum Village, Leo suddenly stopped the car halfway.
“What’s wrong, Dr. Bloomer?” Rita asked.
Leo turned to Frederic, “Frederic, you drive. Take everyone back to Green Plum Village. I have something to take care of.”
Saying this, Leo opened the car door and stepped out.
Although the three were puzzled, they didn’t ask any questions.
Leo watched as the car drove off until it was far away.
“No need to skulk in the shadows. Come out.” Leo suddenly said coldly.
As soon as he spoke, two men emerged from the bushes to the right.
Their expressions were cold, dressed in peculiar attire.
Leo’s expression shifted slightly because the outfits of these two men resembled the old witch he had previously slain.
Could they be seeking revenge?
“Kid, you’re quick on your feet, or else your car would’ve been wrecked with you in it!” One of the men’s eyes gleamed with malice as he spoke.
Leo retorted coldly, “Who are you?”
“He… he’s Kuhlmann, and I… I’m… Batu! You… you brat, did… did you kill Regina Bertram!?” the other man stuttered nervously.
“Regina?” Leo furrowed his brow, quickly realizing, “Oh, you mean that old witch, right? Yes, I killed her.”