Indeed, anomalies within the rules were not so easily destroyed.
Mu Xuan had concluded this long ago.
However, he had not expected that this place was not a Rule Area formed by a Rule Core, but a genuine source of pollution!
It was a source of pollution that had already influenced this entire region before the descent of the anomaly calamity.
“So… the descent of the anomalies had signs long ago? It wasn’t a sudden occurrence?”
The doubts in Mu Xuan’s heart multiplied. If that were truly the case, this anomaly calamity was even longer than he had imagined.
“Your Excellency, have you heard of the First Era?”
“Why bring that up?”
He had thought Morson would provide some information about the anomaly calamity; he truly did not expect the conversation to pivot to the First Era.
“The First Era is referred to as the Old Era in the ancient records of the Caliland Empire… In the myths passed down by bards to this day, it is also mentioned that the continent was once unsuitable for any living creature. It was the arrival of the gods that made this land a place capable of nurturing life.”
Morson’s eyes grew deep at that moment, as if he were thinking of something unpleasant. Mu Xuan also had a few guesses regarding Morson’s words.
“Do you believe these twisted pollutions are remnants of the First Era?”
Morson merely shook his head and replied tiredly, “I am not sure… No one can truly know the truth of this matter.”
Next, Morson walked to the crystal wall on the side and placed his hand against it, making the wall transparent once more.
Within the wall lay an ancient parchment scroll.
“Look at what is drawn on this…”
As he spoke, Morson stepped aside to allow Mu Xuan to come closer for a better look.
However, Mu Xuan did not dare to get close. Even looking from a distance, he felt as if his brain had suffered a blunt blow, aching with intense pressure.
Rubbing his temples, Mu Xuan turned away with a bitter smile. “Mentor Morson, this thing has a certain impact on the spirit, doesn’t it…?”
Morson seemed to have a sudden realization and slapped his own head. With a hint of apology, he sealed the crystal wall again.
He had indeed been inconsiderate.
Not everyone had the qualification to view this parchment; one’s mental power had to at least reach the level of a Grand Mage.
“What is recorded on there is the scene of the gods’ fall… Their fall was as if they were being devoured by some terrifying existence…”
When Morson said this, even though he tried his best to remain calm, the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his fear.
Even the gods were devoured…
“Now… I have a question. Is your Goddess of Light really alive?”
Morson’s words caused Mu Xuan to shiver involuntarily, a chill spreading through his entire body in an instant.
But at the thought of that peculiar god, Mu Xuan still said firmly, “Of course, the Goddess is alive! Her great power is beyond your imagination!”
Morson offered no evaluation. After giving Mu Xuan a deep look, he sighed. Then, he walked to the wall on the other side.
“Then we shall end this topic here. What I can do to help you is the statue behind this wall, and… the Tear of Arlus.”
As he spoke, Morson tapped his staff lightly against the wall. The smooth, flat surface shattered like glass in an instant. Countless shards fell to the ground, and many splashed onto Morson, cutting several wounds.
Morson did not care at all. He stepped forward slowly toward the statue, his expression a mix of guilt, sorrow, and a hint of nostalgia.
“The bodies of these people have undergone irreversible mutations. I was powerless. It was only at Sisteline’s suggestion that, before sealing them, I wove a dream for them where the Goddess had saved them.”
Hearing Morson finish, Mu Xuan could not help but gasp.
‘In a sense, doesn’t this count as wanting to squeeze out every bit of utility from the believers!?’
“Heh… the Tear of Arlus can lock the time of their bodies, but it cannot lock the flow of their consciousness. If I didn’t do this… they would die.”
Morson’s words revealed a sense of helplessness and resolve. Since he had made this choice back then, there was no reason to regret it.
Since it allowed them to live, even if it was a deception, it was still better than dying in that rotten place.
As Mu Xuan moved slightly closer, he could feel the vast power of faith within the statue… This was the contribution of one entire town over the course of hundreds of years. While his heart was somewhat shaken, Mu Xuan also silently apologized to these people in his mind.
Then, Morson walked behind the statue. His staff swung, and synchronized with his chanting, he quickly sketched a massive and complex pattern.
In any case, Mu Xuan could not understand or comprehend it.
As ripples surged in the surrounding space, several water-like streams appeared in the air, slowly flowing toward Morson’s raised hand.
Morson watched as a crystal-clear, teardrop-shaped substance slowly formed in his hand. His eyes contained memories of the past and a trace of reluctance.
“Your Excellency, I will help you temporarily break the rules here so you can obtain the scepter. Regarding what happens next, I only hope you will not disappoint me…”
The Tear of Arlus had protected them and was Morson’s only reliance within this space. It truly contained too much…
If it were not for Sisteline’s repeated assurances, Morson would have been truly reluctant to part with the Tear of Arlus…
Morson’s heavy sigh also made Mu Xuan’s heart feel heavy.
The world of anomalies was always accompanied by death, loss, and madness… It was truly distressing.
‘The purest light?’
His own power of light was indeed somewhat different. Even if he was not… both Morson and Sisteline had placed their hopes on him.
Then, whether for himself or for them and the people, Mu Xuan wanted to give it a try.
In this damned world, if one didn’t fight, there was no way out at all! It was death either way!
With somewhat stinging eyes, he sighed softly, “Light is indeed good…”
“Since you have made up your mind, then do it…”
Morson slammed his staff into the ground, and the Tear of Arlus erupted with astonishing power in an instant.
The entire space created by the Tear of Arlus shook violently.
*Crack!* A loud, sharp sound rang out, and the entire space suddenly shattered, producing an indescribable sense of depth.
It was like a whirlpool… constantly absorbing the surrounding matter.
“Now, quickly!”
The moment Morson’s low roar rang out, Mu Xuan pressed his palm against the statue. A dazzling light burst forth instantly.
Like a blazing sun that could illuminate the entire continent, the soon-to-be-shattered space was suddenly submerged in light.
No one knew if an extremely powerful anomaly would suddenly appear in the next second to block the door and slaughter them—the kind you could not run away from.
“Mentor Morson, the light will shine here!”
Morson did not think highly of Mu Xuan’s chances, but he did not say anything discouraging. He simply rubbed his…