In the majestic and grand Corpse Cathedral, an invisible pressure surged like a tidal wave, impacting everyone's minds.
Every word spoken by 'Adam' carried a higher-level power, causing the surrounding void to ripple with countless waves.
The text symbolizing the 'Pathway of the Gods' seemed to transcend dimensions, appearing in a more direct form deep within everyone's minds.
Twenty-two radiant 'symbols' were imprinted in the void, shining brilliantly.
With just a fleeting glance, most couldn't comprehend the profound meaning behind the 'twenty-two symbols.' The complex knowledge, filled with mysterious divine authorities, was forcefully poured into Orochimaru's mind.
Buzz!
Orochimaru felt as if he had been struck hard, his brain going blank as if it had crashed.
However, he wasn't the only greedy one. The symbols, imbued with divine authorities, were nearly irresistible to everyone. Even knowing there could be consequences, curiosity drove them to widen their eyes and gaze at the symbols, trying to uncover their secrets.
The result was, of course, predictable.
Daring to look directly at the symbols filled with 'divine authorities' felt like being thrown into a burning star.
The intense light seemed ready to consume their very souls.
Seeing the right moment, Uchiha Sōgetsu slightly bent his index finger and tapped the bronze table, sending a gentle and soothing mental force outwards.
Calm!
The sound of the tap was like a bell tolling at dawn and dusk.
Those on the verge of mental collapse were wrapped in a gentle power, awakening them in an instant.
When they opened their eyes again, the 'twenty-two symbols' had vanished, and the turbulent void of the Corpse Cathedral returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
"Do not look directly at the 'symbols,'" Uchiha Sōgetsu said, his gaze downcast. In a warning tone, he continued, "Those 'symbols' represent the pinnacle of the Pathway of the Gods. They contain a trace of divine authority; if a mortal gazes for too long, their mind and soul will be eroded and extinguished, possibly even distorted."
Is it dangerous?
Yes, it's very dangerous, but it can't stop the yearning within everyone's hearts.
Just now, the overwhelming desire to merge with something that transcends life itself surged from the depths of their souls.
Orochimaru felt like a moth, fully aware that the flame ahead would burn him to ashes, yet he still wanted to dive headfirst into the fire.
"Mr. Adam, if we find the Blasphemy Slate, can we—"
Orochimaru licked his lips, his throat dry as he said, "What I mean is, will we have the chance to choose one of the Pathways?"
His words resonated with the others.
They all cast their eager gazes toward the high-ranking figure, 'Adam.'
"Sure."
'Adam' chuckled softly and shifted into a more relaxed posture.
His demeanor suggested that he didn't take the twenty-two divine Pathways seriously at all.
"However, don't get too excited just yet."
Before the others could celebrate, he continued, "You're not the only ones searching for the Blasphemy Slate."
"And the Blasphemy Slate is born from the 'Original Creator' remains."
Uchiha Sogetsu rested his chin on his hand, lazily sitting in his chair, and said, "Each Pathway contains different 'authorities,' symbolizing a part of the 'Original Creator.' However, due to various issues, the Blasphemy Slate shattered and scattered across the world, so gathering them all won't be easy."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru was taken aback and blurted out, "The Aurora Order?!"
After all, aside from the Aurora Order, no one else would likely know about the existence of the Blasphemy Slate, let alone compete with them for it.
"It seems we have to find the Blasphemy Slate before the Aurora Order does!" Ōnoki felt a sudden weight of pressure; they now had an additional reason to stop the Aurora Order.
They needed to prevent the 'Summoning Ritual' and seize the Blasphemy Slate to completely thwart the Aurora Order's conspiracy!
Knock, knock!
Uchiha Sogetsu lightly tapped the table and looked at everyone. "I hereby issue you a task in my name."
Everyone listened attentively.
"Find the Blasphemy Slate."
Uchiha Sogetsu's voice echoed through the Corpse Cathedral. "As a reward, you may choose one of the Pathways for yourselves."
Bang! Bang!
Orochimaru's eyes widened. He felt like he could hear the loud thumping of his own heart.
Earlier, 'Adam' had said he didn't mind their choice of Pathway, but just a symbol had nearly torn his soul apart. What would a 'Blasphemy Slate' do? So, if they wanted to embark on the Pathway of the gods, they definitely needed 'Adam's' help.
At this moment, it felt like their opportunity had finally arrived. As long as they found the 'Blasphemy Slate' and handed it over to 'Adam', they would gain a 'Pathway'!
"Understood, Mr. Adam!" everyone said in unison, their eyes filled with determination.
Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Uchiha Sogetsu smiled slightly.
Thus, the waves of this new era quietly stirred, creating a small ripple.
And long after this moment, that small ripple would transform into a massive wave, swallowing the entire era.
"Let's end today's gathering here," Uchiha Sogetsu announced, having achieved the desired effect.
"I was born to be burdened," he sighed, rubbing his forehead as he raised his hand.
With the power to manipulate dreams, he watched as the grand Corpse Cathedral began to collapse. Black mist surged in like a tide, quickly engulfing the entire dream.
The cathedral, once stacked with bones, was reduced to ruins.
A dark and corrupted atmosphere filled the shattered remains. Hanging upside down from a massive cross was a giant with a single red eye, bound by chains.
Uchiha Sogetsu draped in a black cloak, emanated an ominous aura.
"Hmm, that should do it," he said, surveying the surroundings. He nodded in satisfaction; it was time for the second act.
Moments later.
In the ruined wasteland, a figure appeared: Mr. A.
At first glance, he saw a figure draped in a black robe, surrounded by shadows. As they moved, several crimson eyes seemed to flow within, exuding a sense of filth and corruption, as if they could devour everything like an abyss.
"Subordinate pays respects to you, Dark Saint!"
After waking up, Mr. A immediately knelt on the ground. "May I ask why you summoned me? What are your orders?"
"'Adam' is on the move."
Uchiha Sogetsu's voice was extremely hoarse, sharp like gravel, hinting at a madness within. "Just now, my lord has decreed a great will. The 'Blasphemy Slate' has appeared. Go find it and bring it back!"
"Saint, what is the Blasphemy Slate?"
Mr. A paused for a moment, looking confused as he asked.
"The Blasphemy Slate was born from the remains of 'Original Creator'!"
Uchiha Sogetsu spread his arms wide, his tone rising sharply, filled with excitement: "The tablet records the 'Twenty-Two Pathways of the Gods.' The hope for my lord's revival lies within it, so the Aurora Order must obtain it. Do you understand?"
"Understood, Saint!"
A wide, exaggerated grin split across Mr. A's face, his eyes gleaming with a mad, blood-red light.
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