"Young Lord, the slave you've brought, Neebo is still alive." The servant relayed the message given to him by the older King's Guard.
Prince Archilles heard him and his face showed indifference. But deep inside, he too was shocked by the news. He has witnessed the power of corruption within the Nefarious Sanctuary, and he himself wouldn't be able to stand against its nonstop assault. To hear that Neebo had managed to withstand its relentless assault intrigued him greatly.
"How authentic is this message that you have received?" Prince Archilles said domineeringly.
The servant calmed himself, "Young Lord, I was told by one of the King's Guard that was assigned by Queen Elara to watch over Neebo. That old King's Guard was Ultgar, someone known to be a person who doesn't speak nonsense Young Lord. He is a veteran soldier of the kingdom. I am sure he was telling the truth."
"He told me that the slave Neebo had been completely corrupted by the sanctuary and had become a demon that roamed its wicked halls." The servant added.
Prince Archilles seem relaxed as he composed himself with the information he had received.
"Very well," Prince Archilles replied, his voice laced with authority. "Prepare for my departure to the Nefarious Sanctuary immediately. I wish to see for myself and confirm the truth of this matter."
His voice carried an undertone of determination, fueled by the need to confront Neebo and prove his own strength. The thought of facing the powerful corruption within the sanctuary ignited a fire within him, and he was eager to put his newfound abilities to the test.
The servant nodded; his eyes wide with anticipation. He understood the gravity of the situation, knowing that Prince Archilles was about to face a challenge unlike any he had encountered before. The Nefarious Sanctuary was a place of darkness, where even the strongest minds and bodies could be reduced to nothingness.
As preparations were made, Prince Archilles summoned his most trusted advisors, including his master, Elder Meng Fu and Elder Bai. He sought their counsel, for their wisdom and experience would be invaluable in navigating the treacherous depths of the sanctuary.
Elder Meng Fu spoke first, his voice filled with caution. "Archilles, the Nefarious Sanctuary is not to be taken lightly. The origins of its power have been a mystery since it was discovered by the Immortal Sects. That dark energy seems incompatible with the world that anything with life that it touches, would be subject to its corruption. Even us Cultivators should avoid being in touch with that energy. Must you enter that place?"
Elder Bai, on the other hand, offered a different perspective. "Young Lord, your newfound powers have granted you strength and resilience beyond ordinary mortals. While the Nefarious Sanctuary is a formidable challenge, perhaps this is an opportunity to test your limits and further refine your abilities."
Elder Meng Fu gave Elder Bai a look of disdain. He doesn't want his only disciple venturing an uncharted water. Even him with his peak Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation wouldn't even have the courage to venture the Nefarious Sanctuary. What more, his only disciple who've only just stepped on to the path of Cultivation.
Prince Archilles contemplated their words, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. He knew that venturing into the Nefarious Sanctuary was a dangerous proposition, but the allure of testing his powers against the relentless corruption enticed him. If Neebo could resist it for a month, He should be able to last longer than Neebo. He knew Neebo had powerful physical constitution, but the Nefarious Sanctuary requires strong mental capability, it must be one of the reasons why based on the King's Guard's information, Neebo had succumbed to its corruption and had become a soulless being with powerful body, a demon.
With a determined nod, Prince Archilles made his decision. "I will proceed to the Nefarious Sanctuary. If Neebo has truly survived its darkness, I wish to witness the extent of his strength and challenge him."
"But if he did succumb to his end and had become the demon that was described, then I must end his existence. Neebo is mine, and his existence has always been to sharpen mine. I had thought that I would never have a chance to torture that kid, yet such opportunity came knocking back at me."
"it must be fate, that I was the one who shall end him. After this, I shall depart from the Nefarious Sanctuary not as Prince Archilles Barone, but as an Immortal Cultivator myself."
Prince Archilles has made his decision to enter the sanctuary. And his master couldn't stop him any further, it would not bore fruitful if he did. This is part of his training, and as his master, he must ready himself to let go of his disciple and face against danger.
Thus, preparations were made during a short period of time, and the following day, the group set forth towards the Nefarious Sanctuary, with a mix of trepidation and anticipation filled the air. King Cedric and Queen Elara was made known of this terrible news and joined the escort of their son, Prince Archilles into the forbidden sanctuary.
With a confident stride, Prince Archilles led the soldiers towards the treacherous path that would take them to the Nefarious Sanctuary. The anticipation of the encounter fueled his steps, the intensity of his emotions growing with each passing moment. Both the King and Queen saw the confidence and eagerness of their son's footsteps.
Queen Elara was very concerned about his son, Prince Archilles. She had known the dangers of the sanctuary through the records kept by the kingdom. And although Kings and Princes would test their mental strength within the sanctuary as a coming of the age test. Prince Archilles had already done that danger and he doesn't need to prove anything anymore.
As they neared their destination, the air grew thick with an oppressive energy. The corrupted aura of the sanctuary seeped through the cracks, causing unease among the soldiers. Prince Archilles, however, stood resolute, ready to face the darkness that awaited him.
Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the Nefarious Sanctuary, a foreboding structure that exuded malevolence. With a deep breath, Prince Archilles stepped forward and draw near the entrance.
"Son!" Queen Elara interrupted and her voice pierce through the air with a mixture of concern and apprehension, as it reached Prince Archilles.
Prince Archilles stopped in his track, but didn't turn around. Rather, he spoke with his stern and steady voice, "I will be fine, mother. Everyone, thank you for accompanying me this far; It is more than enough, and I truly appreciate it. Right now, I must slay the slave that I took with me from Ironfort kingdom. Right now, will be the beginning of my evolution!"
In the eyes of everyone, Prince Archilles stood with great resolve, ready to take on the test. His back told them that he was not just their Prince, but within those sturdy shoulders is the weight of responsibilities that Prince Archilles must carry. Mixed with his yellow regal armor, Prince Archilles continued his stride and pushed open the doors of the Nefarious Sanctuary.
Entering the depths of the sanctuary, Prince Archilles felt the weight of the corruption pressing upon him, testing his resolve. The powerful dark violent energy creeps into every part of his body, seemingly finding an opening to devour his senses. Yet, his determination burned with determination, overshadowing any fear that threatened to cloud his mind.
His steps echoed along the dark and ancient halls of the sanctuary, where deep within awaits Neebo, who have already sensed Prince Archilles's presence as he entered the sanctuary.
Neebo grinned as he was seated cross-legged, waiting for Prince Archilles to find him within the sanctuary's training hall. It was time to test his mastery over the Nine Steps of Suppression. Neebo erupted with his powerful spiritual energy. And to the surprise of Prince Archilles, He felt that Neebo's spiritual energy does not embody the same aura of corruption within the sanctuary.
'It seems that you have been waiting patiently for me to fetch you all this time my brilliant slave.' Prince Archilles thought, in his mind he was also shocked by this twist. Neebo was able to survive amidst the aura of corruption. At the eruption of aura and spiritual sense by Neebo, Prince Archilles responded with his own aura. Both auras seem to negate the violent energy within the sanctuary, as it created a wave of wind that was seemingly turbulent.
Finally, Prince Archilles reached the chamber where Neebo resides. The chamber was shrouded in darkness, but Prince Archilles managed to detect his surroundings through his spiritual senses. Neebo was all smiles seating cross-legged inside this huge training hall within the chamber. Prince Archilles entered the training hall with his light and domineering footsteps.
As he drew to a close, "Neebo," Prince Archilles' voice resonated with authority and defiance. "You have survived the Nefarious Sanctuary, a true testament of the name I have given you, my brilliant slave!" With each word, the intensity in Prince Archilles' voice grew, matching the intensity of his emotions. He summoned his newfound powers, channeling the strength and resolve that he had.
Neebo on the other side of the training hall laughed in response to Prince Archilles's remarks. As he ended his boisterous laughter, Neebo's gaze turned cold as it seemingly pierced through the very existence of his enemy. This was the man who killed almost all of his family right in front of him. His kingdom, destroyed and mutilated. This man took everything away from Neebo. All his pent up anger was channeled into Neebo's burning gaze.
"Hazel Grave brat, the time has come for your judgment! And I shall be your executioner!"