Chapter 147: The Hidden Hand
Lancelot looked at Horas with a puzzled expression.
He didn't understand why Guba, despite being beaten, was still grateful.
"You are still too young. Do you know Tans's character?"
Horas asked with a smile.
Tans was the head of the Radiant Temple, also a Nine-Star Deity Emperor-level powerhouse.
"Temple Head Tans is known for being harsh and unsympathetic, and he also has some conflicts with you, mentor."
Lancelot replied after thinking for a moment.
"That's correct. Tans is the kind of person who will sacrifice anyone to protect himself. If Guba had returned just like that, the consequences would have been dire. However, since I severely injured him, given the relationship between Tans and myself, he would want to save face."
Horas smiled.
Lancelot suddenly understood.
Tans already disliked his mentor, and now, seeing his mentor injure one of his subordinates, Tans would undoubtedly try to protect Guba to spite Horas.
And in doing so, the Radiant Temple would inevitably have to bear the responsibility for what happened in the Divine Realm.
Thinking of this, Lancelot couldn't help but glance at Horas.
His mentor truly was shrewd, easily shifting the blame onto the Radiant Temple, while still ensuring that Guba, a powerful commander, could act as an insider for them in the future.
"Alright, since you've made it out, continue with your training. Unless it's something important, there's no need to contact me. Becoming stronger is something you must achieve on your own."
Horas advised Lancelot.
In the Divine Realm, no one knew that Horas had taken Lancelot as his disciple.
Otherwise, wherever Lancelot went, others would fear him, and that would prevent him from undergoing real training.
"As you command, mentor."
Horas nodded and then gradually vanished.
Lancelot rose and left, pondering where he should head next for his training.
Meanwhile, Sylvus was wandering aimlessly.
The Divine Realm was vast, and he had no idea where to go next.
"Oh? There's a city below. Might as well rest for a bit."
As he flew, Sylvus noticed a large city beneath him—its size several times larger than the capital of the Boke Empire.
Upon entering the city, Sylvus found that it was bustling with people of various races, giving it a lively atmosphere.
He made his way to an inn and walked in.
"What can I get you, dear guest?"
A scantily clad catwoman approached Sylvus, her eyes sparkling flirtatiously.
"Some food and drink."
Sylvus responded without sparing her a glance.
Despite her delicate and charming appearance, he had no interest—especially since she couldn't compare to Queen Elina of the Angels in terms of allure.
Seeing Sylvus ignore her, a trace of disappointment flashed in the catwoman's eyes.
Nevertheless, she smiled and nodded, quickly returning with food and drink.
"Did you hear? The Divine Realm in the Ancient Path Mountains has opened, and many geniuses from various races have gone in."
"That Divine Realm opened several days ago, right? It should be ending by now. What's there to discuss?"
"There's actually something big this time—you probably don't know, but over thirty thousand people entered the Divine Realm, and fewer than ten survived."
"What? Only ten out of thirty thousand survived? How is that possible? Did something happen inside the Divine Realm?"
"I don't know exactly. I heard it from someone who barely made it out alive. He broke through within the Divine Realm and came out late. When he reached the exit, all he found were corpses."
"That can't be. The Divine Realm has always been managed by the temples. If something that serious happened, the other races definitely won't let it slide."
"Of course not. But I also heard that outside the Divine Realm, all the powerful representatives from the various races were killed as well."
As Sylvus filled his glass, he overheard the conversation at the next table.
He smiled slightly—news indeed spread fast.
He wasn't surprised, though. Most of the people who entered the Divine Realm had died, but there would always be one or two who slipped through the cracks.
Not that it mattered—no one knew it was him, and even if they did, they couldn't do anything about it.
"Brothers, be cautious when heading to the Netherworld Mountains. I heard even the City Lord's people have been dispatched, so it must be serious."
"Big brother, isn't it just some bandits? Why so cautious?"
"Third brother, our big brother is right. Ordinary bandits wouldn't warrant the City Lord's attention—something important must be going on."
Sylvus raised an eyebrow as he listened to another conversation.
What could be happening in the Netherworld Mountains?
"Dear guest, your food is ready."
The catwoman returned, placing the dishes before Sylvus.
"Wait a moment—what happened in the Netherworld Mountains?"
Sylvus asked, curious.
The catwoman hesitated for a moment, then smiled slyly at Sylvus.
"Alright, now will you tell me?"
Sylvus understood and handed her ten divine crystals.
"You are too kind, dear guest. It's said that a group of bandits has appeared in the Netherworld Mountains, and they're quite powerful. Many people have already fallen victim to them. The temples have issued a bounty, which is why so many strong individuals are heading that way today."
The catwoman's eyes lit up as she quickly pocketed the crystals.
"Oh? Do you know the strength of these bandits?"
Sylvus continued.
"I don't know for sure, but I've heard that even True Deity-level powerhouses have perished there."
The catwoman replied.
Sylvus narrowed his eyes. If even True Deity-level figures couldn't survive, then there must be at least a Divine King among those bandits.
"Where is the Netherworld Mountains?"
"Head straight south after leaving the city, and you'll see it."
Sylvus nodded. Since he had nothing else to do at the moment, he might as well check it out.
Besides, he needed to test his Titan Cannon's power—the Netherworld Mountains should be a suitable target.
Half an hour later, Sylvus had finished his meal and left, flying towards the Netherworld Mountains.
Meanwhile, Commander Guba had returned to one of the Radiant Temple's branches.
"Guba, what happened? I hope you have a good explanation for this!"
Upon entering, Branch Head Will glared at Guba.
"Lord Will, it's a long story, please allow me to explain..."
Before Guba could finish, a powerful aura filled the room.
Sensing this aura, both men turned pale and hurriedly knelt.
"We greet Lord Tans!"