He changed Tiwat

He and Jiang Xue exchanged a glance and quickened their pace in tacit agreement.

As planned, it's their turn to appear next.

Daines Reeb has already thwarted the other side's plan, but he is also likely to be injured in the other side's trap, so the addition of Jiang Xue, a fresh force, is particularly important.

If the burst of the "Luminite" fails to completely destroy the mechanism, Jiang Xue will then be responsible for smashing it to pieces with a single sword strike.

In fact, given Jiang Xue's agility, she could have easily abandoned Han Fulai and rushed back to the "Bell Tower".

But in that case, Han Fulai would be completely unprotected.

Jiang Xue had already learned from the Abyss Apostle she had just killed that apostles protected by the power of the Abyss could function normally under the power of purification.

If Jiang Xue hadn't stayed by Han Fulai's side at that moment, Han Fulai might have been killed by some Abyss Apostle who suddenly emerged from a spatial rift.

Although they felt somewhat apologetic towards Dainesreb, in the time before they reached the "Clock Tower," Dainesreb had to protect himself.

That intense burst of "pure light" not only disrupted the ritual, but also annihilated several nearby "Black Serpent Knights".

However, thanks to the light energy of the "Lumen Stone," the mechanism has almost stopped. The beam of light has shrunk, leaving only a thin strand of golden light, which has greatly weakened the effect of enhancing the power of the pool water.

If the Hilichurls and the "Black Serpent Riders" were suffering excruciating pain just now, their current condition is roughly equivalent to a broken bone. Although they still have to endure the pain, the intensity has been greatly reduced.

The exploding Lumenite catalyst was like a grenade. While the Abyss Priests who were close to the blast point were severely injured, Daines Reeb was not unscathed either, as he was also affected by the light energy wave of the "Pure Light Bloom".

Daines Reeb lay on the ground, panting heavily. He needed to regain his strength as soon as possible so he could completely shut down the mechanism.

The Abyss Priest staggered to his feet, his body now covered in a layer of pitch-black light—a “Black Birth”.

The moment the explosion occurred, Dainesreb's binding net was released, and the Abyss Priest, sensing danger, reflexively used "Dark Incarnation," a shield of Abyssal power that allowed him to survive the explosion of light energy. Despite suffering severe injuries, he did not die.

If he didn't die, he had to continue his mission.

"...Dains Reeb!"

The Abyss Priest's voice was filled with hatred. He never imagined that this "Sword of the End" from Kanria would actually use the "Power of the High Heavens" to stop him! Clearly, Dainesreb should be the one who hates the "Sky Isles" the most.

"Hmph...you want my life, don't you? Come on." Daines Reeb also struggled to his feet, disdainful of explaining anything to the Abyss Priest.

Even though he had suffered considerable injuries, and even though he was currently being suppressed by the purifying power, he was prepared to do everything in his power to eliminate this Abyss Priest.

But the Abyss Priests' target was not him.

With a wave of his hand, the Abyss Priest conjured up a thick book with a purple cover.

The book opens by itself, the pages moving automatically without any wind.

A purplish-black orb of light burst forth from the pages of the book and shot toward the mechanism.

This is the "Abyss Codex" bestowed upon him by the "Prince," a special magical artifact containing a vast amount of abyssal power.

Although this is a one-time use ritual implement, it serves as a "reserve force" when used in critical moments.

The purplish-black orb of light shot into the mechanism, and the golden ribbons of light, which had been like threads, were now tinged with purplish-black. Its power also increased, and it transformed into a pillar of light once more. Although this pillar of light was not as thick as before, and its effect on enhancing the purification power of the pool water was not as strong as it had been—it was still enough to make Daines Reeb almost kneel down.

Inside the hall, the few "Black Serpent Knights" who had managed to survive were also pulverized by the purifying power, turning into black mud that merged into the ground.

The pain brought by the purifying power made Daines Reeb break out in a cold sweat. He felt as if his body was being crushed by a giant boulder, and his bones were creaking.

He gritted his teeth and took a step forward—just taking that one step made his gums bleed.

But one step is not enough; you must take the next step, and then more steps, until you reach the mechanism.

His reason warned him that the Hilichurls and the "Black Serpent Rider" were dead; they were monsters, not humans, and saving them would be pointless. His body groaned, telling him he couldn't get any closer; the closer he got, the more painful it would be, and even if he reached the mechanism, he wouldn't have the strength to stop it. His memory roared, "Back off! The next step in the plan is to be carried out by two other people. You just need to delay the ritual and protect yourself!"

However, Daines Reeb put all of that aside; he now had only one thought: to stop the Abyss Priests and stop the purification ritual!

He has "tree branches" inside his body, relics of the Kanria royal family capable of neutralizing the power of the abyss. If he can rush forward and use his body to block the energy pillar rushing towards the pool, the "tree branches" will automatically absorb the energy of the mechanism and stop the ritual.

Although the process would be painful, and although it could very well kill him, Daines Reeb didn't care.

Five hundred years later, Dains Raeb, the last captain of the palace guard of Canria and the "Sword of the End Light," once again has the opportunity to protect his people.

Just as Han Fulai said before, this is a trap specifically designed for Dain.

But Day went without hesitation.

The Abyss Priest intensified the power of the "Abyss Codex," continuously pouring the purplish-black power of the abyss into the mechanism. The pool of water at the top of the ceiling trembled violently, and the power of purification spread throughout the ruins.

Although a minor mishap occurred along the way, the purification ritual is still underway and is about to succeed.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Dainesreb stagger towards him amidst the purifying power. The Abyss Priest couldn't help but want to laugh, but unfortunately, he had neither the time nor the energy to mock Dainesreb. Ensuring the success of the purification ritual was his highest priority.

At that moment, both the Abyss Priest and Dainesreb saw a black figure stand up.

That's Hafdan.

The most elite "Black Serpent Knights" in this area, besides Dainesreb.

During the brief interval of the "pure light bloom," Hafdan regained some of his strength.

He used his greatsword as a crutch to support his heavy body as he shakily stood up.

He still has a mission to complete.

The priest of the abyss was overjoyed at the sight.

"Kill Daines Reeb!"

He issued instructions to Hafdan.

This group of "Black Serpent Knights" were only present to ensure the smooth progress of the ritual. Now that Dainesreb has been severely weakened by the power of purification, even a mere "Black Serpent Knight" has the opportunity to cut off his head.

“Ha...f...dan…” Dain gasped as he uttered Hafdan’s name.

He also wanted to persuade Hafdan to swing his sword at the Abyss Priest, but he no longer had the strength to say anything more.

With a clanging sound.

The black-clad knight dropped the greatsword that symbolized his knightly pride.

Then, Hafdan started running.

One step, two steps, his strides grew longer and faster.

No one knows the extent of Hafdan's suffering, because he is unable to make a sound.

Daines Reb could only see thick black smoke billowing from Hafdan's body, as if his entire body was on fire.

To the astonishment of the Abyss Priest, Hafdan lunged at the mechanism, using his body to block the pillar of light connecting to the pool!

Hafdan's last action was to look up at Daines Reb.

Daines Reb couldn't see Hafdan's expression beneath his helmet, but he knew Hafdan must be smiling.

Just like five hundred years ago, when Dain grasped Hafdan's hand and entrusted him with the important task of protecting the people.

He seemed to hear Hafdan saying to him, "Captain, I did it."

The beam of light was blocked by Hafdan's body and disappeared instantly, but the mechanism did not stop.

The purplish-black beam of light was slowly piercing through Hafdan's armor, and before long it would burn a large hole in his back, completely penetrating his body.

"Get out of my way, you nuisance!"

The Abyss Priest was consumed by rage. He couldn't believe that the "Black Serpent Knight," whose reason had been completely eroded by the power of the Abyss, could still betray him.

However, all of his energy was now bound to the "Abyss Codex" in front of him, and he couldn't free himself to kick away the troublesome "Black Serpent Knight" until the ritual was complete.

Moreover, there was another thing he couldn't understand—logically, the moment the "Black Serpent Knight" came into contact with the pillar of light, he should have been immediately assimilated by the power of the abyss, and both his body and soul would have merged into the darkness and vanished into nothingness.

What enabled this "Black Serpent Knight" to briefly withstand the power of the abyss? Could his soul and will be so resilient as to resist the erosion of the abyss?

"Why is it that a mere 'Black Serpent Knight' can..."

The priest of the abyss couldn't understand it.

Dainesreb did not waste the opportunity created by Hafdan.

Although Hafdan may only be able to block the beam of light for a few seconds.

But a few seconds is enough.

Before Daines Reeb rushed to the mechanism, blue flames had already ignited in his hands.

The blue flames struck the gem from the abyss on the mechanism.

Along with Hafdan's body.

Even the gem specially made by the "Abyss Order" could not simultaneously bear so many powers from different sources. After a soft sound, the gem shattered, the pillar of light disappeared, and the mechanism stopped.

“Because you don’t know the power of humanity.” Dainesreb turned to face the Abyss Priest, his gaze icy.

"Damn it... Damn it, damn it, damn it! Dainesreb, atone for your sins with your death!" The Abyss Priest roared and raised his hands again, fully unleashing the remaining power in the "Abyss Codex". Purple-black lightning danced wildly, wanting to destroy the enemy who once again stood in the way of the "Abyss Order".

However, Daines Reeb's hand was already pressed against the cover of "The Abyss Codex".

The purple cover came into contact with the blue flame in Daines Reeb's palm and instantly turned to ashes.

Dainesreb then pressed his palm against the Abyss Priest's chest, intending to tear off the Sun Badge from the Priest's chest, along with his heart.

Because this guy doesn't deserve it.

The Abyss Priest suddenly lost his support, but his reaction was quick. In an instant, he retreated several feet, avoiding Daines Reb's deadly palm.

"Remember this!" The Abyss Priest uttered his classic villainous line, a spatial rift already opening behind him. If this doesn't work, there will be another time.

But there was no next time.

"Senior Jiang Xue, make your move!" Han Fulai, who arrived late, only managed to shout this sentence from behind Daines Reeb.

As Han Fulai shouted, a golden greatsword was already slashing towards the head of the Abyss Priest.

The Abyss Priest's head was like a smashed watermelon, turned into red and white powder.

Only three living people and two mangled corpses remained in the hall.

Chapter 214 A Requiem Echoing from the Abyss (Bonus Chapter 7/20)

"Sorry...we're late." Although Han Fulai didn't know what had just happened here, the traces of battle left behind and the remains of Hafdan lying on the mechanism all told him that something unexpected had happened.

As Han Fulai ran up to the rooftop, he noticed that the power of the beam of light weakened in an instant.

Daines Reeb was clearly fighting the Abyss Singer who was trying to escape.

Dainesreb was able to regain some of his combat strength and even shut down the mechanism on his own, which was obviously related to Hafdan's actions.

It is likely that Hafdan sacrificed himself for some reason, disrupting the ritual, while Dainesreb seized the opportunity to completely end the purification ritual.

So Han Fulai apologized to Daines Reeb, saying that Jiang Xue could have arrived much faster if it weren't for protecting him.

Daines Reeb shook his head slightly. "I should be thanking you... thank you for avenging Hafdan."

He was actually at his last gasp just now.

Thanks to Hafdan's sacrifice, Dainesreb successfully destroyed the mechanism and, in a fit of rage, attacked the Abyss Priest. However, he had already been "purified" by the power of the High Heavens and injured by the burst of light energy from the Lumenite, leaving him severely wounded. To continue using "powers from beyond the world" in this state was nothing short of self-destructive.

This undoubtedly worsened his injury.

Just being able to stand here and speak is already a struggle for Daines Reeb. He is currently in a state where he could vomit several liters of blood and collapse at any moment, and he is only able to stay alive by sheer willpower.

If that Abyss Priest had actually escaped into the spatial rift, Dainesreb would have had no power to stop him.

Moreover, without Han Fulai's provision of the "Lumen Stone" and his preemptive arrangements, Daines Reeb might be dead by now.

What's more, they even helped Hafdan get revenge.

Both morally and logically, Daines Reeb has no grounds to demand an apology from Han Fulai.

Seeing this, Han Fulai changed the subject: "Has the ritual of the 'Abyss Order' been completely terminated? Is there anything that has been missed?"

If so, deal with it as soon as possible.

Daines Reeb looked up at the ceiling, where the inverted pool had returned to calm as if nothing had happened.

“The burning sensation has disappeared…” He slightly raised his hand and stroked half of his mask. Then, his gaze turned to the mechanism beneath Hafdan. “Wait a minute, let me double-check.”

Jiang Xue then put away the ancient sword and walked over, looking at the body of Hafdan lying on the mechanism.

A large hole was cut in Hafdan's chest cavity, and fragments of gemstones on the bottom mechanism could be seen directly from his back.

But... in Jiang Xue's memory, the "Black Serpent Knight" who was injured like this should have turned into black mud and disappeared. Why is Hafdan's body still there?

—Just like those legendary heroes, they are unwilling to fall even in death.

After inspecting the mechanism and confirming that it had been completely destroyed, Dainesreb slowly said, "Hafdan... truly deserves the title of 'Black Serpent Knight'."

Although Daines Reeb's voice trembled only slightly, anyone could hear the sorrow in his words.