As the sealed barrier descended, the Sky-World Chain began to shake violently, as if trying to break free from the confinement. However, these efforts were futile against Hades.
With a sinister grin, the dark star transformed into countless skulls. Following this, numerous dark purple chains emerged and began to enwrap the Sky-World Chain tightly.
The Sky-World Chain struggled fiercely, unwilling to be subdued. Although it was a divine object that existed since the birth of the mythical world, the dark star was also a divine entity born from the Chaos Sea. Additionally, it had absorbed the complete devouring laws from the fruit of the Golden Apple Tree. With the dual laws of sealing and devouring reinforcing it, the Sky-World Chain had little chance to resist.
A hum echoed as the Sky-World Chain vibrated, but ultimately, it was bound securely by the dark star's chains. The contrast was stark and strange: a pristine white chain was now tightly bound by dark purple chains.
Seeing this, Hades did not hesitate. He took the completely sealed Sky-World Chain and returned to the Underworld. As soon as they arrived, the dark star, as if finding the perfect meal, began consuming the chain without reservation.
The absorption process was lengthy. Over the course of three thousand years, the dark star completely devoured the Sky-World Chain. During this period, Hades sensed the emergence of a third law within the dark star:
1. Sealing Law - an inherent attribute of the dark star.
2. Devouring Law - acquired from consuming the Golden Apple.
3. Sky Law - absorbed from the Sky-World Chain.
It's worth noting that while the dark star absorbed the Sky Law, it didn't gain the ability to use it directly. Instead, it developed a resistance to laws associated with the Sky Emperor, effectively weakening them by about 30%.
"The first World Chain has been fully absorbed," Hades murmured as he felt the dark star's enhancement. "Next..."
Hades knew that the benefits from the World Chains were immense. If the dark star could fully absorb the Sky, Sea, Underworld, Earth, and Star World Chains, it would mean that its sealing law could weaken any opponent's power by at least 30%.
This was a terrifying concept. With such a capability, the dark star's combined sealing and devouring laws would be overwhelmingly powerful. Moreover, with each World Chain absorbed, the dark star's sealing law would continue to strengthen.
As the dark star evolved, Hades quietly noted, "The dark star's growth has exceeded initial expectations. Combined with the Song of the Gods, it's now feasible to begin reclaiming my original power."
Hades originally planned to reclaim his primordial power after integrating the Golden Apple into the dark star. However, after acquiring the Song of the Gods, Uranus's treasury, and the World Chains, this plan had been delayed. The path to reclaiming his original power was extremely challenging, and every opportunity needed to be seized.
"Absorbing all five World Chains and mastering Pontos's skill crystal from the Sea World..." Hades pondered. He had already mastered about 70% of the special technique he created from Pontos's crystal. Perfecting the remaining 30% would be crucial.
"Five World Chains," Hades whispered, "The remaining ones are located in the Star Ruins, Heart of the Ocean, Earth's Core, and the Abyss of the Underworld. Next, I should head to the Star Ruins. Additionally..."
Hades continued, "I must fully grasp the essence of Pontos's skill crystal and complete the creation of that technique."
With numerous tasks at hand, Hades realized there was no time to waste. After making all the necessary arrangements, he left the Underworld, not for the Far West this time but back to the surface world through the dark star.
As soon as Hades returned to the surface world, he learned from the Titans about an important event: Zeus, along with Metis, had stormed the Titan Temple and rescued his three sisters and one brother from the Titan King Cronus. Following their rescue, they had vanished without a trace. Enraged by their disappearance, Cronus had ordered all Titans to search for and attack his children relentlessly, regardless of the cost.
"Zeus..." Hades thought for a moment and murmured, "The timing of rescuing Poseidon has been moved up. Hmm..."
Hades, known for his strong rationality, quickly understood the situation. "It seems the recent battle had a significant impact on Zeus. Combined with Metis's influence, Zeus is likely to make many unexpected moves."
"Well, it doesn't matter," Hades shook his head. These developments were of little concern to him. Regardless of what Zeus did, it held no real significance. For Hades, what mattered was steadily enhancing his own power. When his divine power reached the level of a God-King or a Chief God, and when he mastered the Ultimate Power, Zeus's schemes and tricks would be meaningless.
Just as Hades was preparing to leave, a strand of divine power found its way to him. It was a message sent by Poseidon and Zeus through a special connection that existed among the three brothers during the Golden Age.
Hades raised his hand, and the divine power formed into a letter. After briefly examining it, he destroyed the letter and departed.
The message was an invitation to gather. Although it did not specify when it would take place, it was clear that the three brothers needed time to prepare. The proposed meeting place piqued Hades's interest: the Heart of the Ocean, where one of the World Chains was located.
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