Chapter 573: Chapter 573

At the same time, somewhere in an unknown land, an ancient stone altar had been erected at a hidden site. A rune tablet, black spikes, globular pillars... It was clearly the original of Cassius's earlier vision. Several hooded figures paced on the altar, apparently recording data.

Two or three others stood by the pillars, measuring the liquid within.

"The third weak-point link failed. Assimilation is roughly fifty percent, the highest of the three attempts. Moreover, the rate could have gone higher but someone disrupted the link by crushing the entire domain with overwhelming force!" A hooded man reported swiftly. "Because the link was violently cut, altar-energy expenditure was severe—over five times the prior attempts. We have half a portion left, but it’s insufficient for another link..."

A rugged man in grey combat gear stood silent before him. His visage was familiar. It was one of the Seven General Kings seen on the Eternal Archipelago, the lone survivor—the Seventh General King.

Bask never imagined that as the last, least-known General King, he would act as the Gate Organization's de facto head for more than two years! It was all because those higher in seniority or strength had died in that battle.

The tallest among dwarfs had to lead. So, Bask commanded. The Gate Organization had struggled for over two years, its power shrinking fast. Originally, even heavy losses from their elite forces wouldn't leave them so wretched, since there were the scattered core members. Their foundation was deep...

Yet the Golem Sect's rapid expansion and martial revolution, plus cooperation among Dark Hunter Organization, Black Rain Manor, and the Covert Martial Arts world, had pressed the Gate Organization hard.

With a figure like the sect master himself suppressing them, the Gate Organization scuttled abroad. For two years, Bask lived on a razor’s edge until half a year ago when he received Xiadu's cryptic order. At last, Bask had a backbone and a goal. With Xiadu's guidance, he doggedly pursued the original plan step by step.

He exterminated certain sects to feed the altar, used Arcane Stone Tablets, and steered the calamity tides...

Originally, with the Gate Organization’s strength, the setup would have finished quickly and they'd have waited for the right moment to unleash a tidal wave. However, the organization had been functionally crippled when its top fighters had been felled.

The Gate Organization now hunted martial sects furtively, afraid to expose itself. Efficiency dropped and the energy needed for the altars stayed scarce. Plus, some Arcane Stone Tablets were unexpectedly lost. Thus, the accuracy of the altar-link plummeted.

Even the upcoming tide's effect would be compromised. One could say the Gate Organization's grand scheme had been forcibly trimmed. Basically, it was all thanks to Cassius. He had seized the Arcane Stone Tablets, slain the core members, and pressed the Gate Organization...

The surviving members now hated Cassius to the marrow. Bask was the same. His men had just reported someone crushing the forming descent domain with overwhelming force.

Without a doubt, only the Golem Sect's master possessed such might.

He narrowed his eyes, gaze icy, murmuring inwardly. "Cassius, your arrogance will not last long. Lord Xiadu will soon awaken; the calamity tide will descend again; and the world will surely change! Our Gate Organization will swiftly return to its rightful position at the peak! Stronger and more unassailable than before..."

Bask eyed his subordinates, then the drained globular pillars. "Don't fret over replenishing altar energy. Starting tomorrow, we will have plenty. Our high-end combat power will also..."

His words broke off as a hopeful smile flickered across his face. The necromancy-revival technique had long been studied by the Gate Organization; and every generation's deputy leader was prime test material.

Years ago, after compiling data from Florence's dark creature test site, the revival technique made a breakthrough. The former deputy leader Armor Ghoul had been revived for the archipelago battle, showing great prospects. Sadly, he was slain again soon after. Much data was lost and personnel was sorely lacking.

The Gate Organization had then stumbled, taking two-and-a-half years to recreate the technique. Now it was time to use it again. Only with enough top fighters could the plan stand. Reviving each deputy leader was imperative!

Seventh General King Bask inhaled deeply. He looked up at the vast sky and swore silently. "To restore the Gate Organization Organization's glory—our bound duty!"

On May 25 of the Hongli Empire, near a coastal province.

A vast manor was sprawled in front of a purple maple forest. It was the lair of a mid-large supernatural faction, and heavily guarded year-round by strong forces. High executives resided there monthly.

The manor wall burst as debris sprayed out.

Wave upon wave of black-clad figures with cold powerful auras flooded in, moving so fast they left afterimages. The many supernatural guards fell instantly, unable even to react. The black figures swept through the manor like a hot knife through butter.

The main hall's iron gate was punched off its hinges. Dozens of black forms flickered inside like wraiths. In a blink, they lined both sides of the aisle like bodyguards. Broad chests lifted slightly as they stood with hands clasped behind backs.

Heels clicked along the floor. Two figures stepped slowly inside. One was a voluptuous, bewitching woman with ruby lips and emerald eyes, her aura serpentine and dangerous. She wore a sun-hat with a broad lace brim that seemed to hide something.

The other was a handsome man in gold-rim glasses, impeccably dressed and moving with gentlemanly grace. An auburn gold pipe was clamped in his mouth as his cold eyes swept the spacious hall.

"Where's the man? Bring him." He commanded.

Two burly men in black dragged an old fellow forward. One kicked the crook of the elder's knee, forcing him down.

Odo, with a pipe between his teeth, looked down coldly. "So you're one of the Heaven’s Eye Society's top brass? Speak. Where is that special zone you fools treasure as a holy land? I'm rather merciful and don't fancy brutality. So if you confess obediently, you and your society might keep a tolerable end..."

"..." The elder raised his head silently, seemingly hesitant.

"Don't test my patience. You have ten seconds."

Hearing this, the elder opened his mouth. "I—I know where the zone is and can guide you. But I have a condition. If you will grant it, I will surely..."

Odo lifted a hand, cutting off the elder's drivel. "You're not qualified to bargain."

"Kill him." He flicked his right hand.

He didn't spare the elder a glance, and turned toward the sunlit doorway. A vague wisp of smoke drifted through the air, tracing a thin white line. Nine Serpents, who had watched everything quietly, shook her head, turned, and sashayed away.

"W-what? Hey... hey! Wait—" The elder jerked his head up incredulously.

Too fast! It all moved too fast! Is he sentenced to death already?

"Shut up, old trash! This is Lord Odo's mercy! Die early, die cleanly. If the Ghetto Four were here, you'd learn that death is a luxury." A brute cracked his knuckles. He set a rough palm atop the elder's head.