Indeed, as the three looked around at their surroundings, darkness enveloped the area as if a heavy shadow had descended upon the entire world. The environment was incredibly eerie, with an atmosphere that sent shivers down one's spine. Deep underground, there were trees, but they were withered and leafless, their branches intertwined to form eerie patterns, resembling malicious faces silently telling terrifying tales. Various strange claw marks littered the ground, varying in depth, seemingly left by an unknown creature, instilling an inexplicable sense of unease. A chilling breeze swept through, sending a shiver down their spines.
This environment seemed to conceal endless secrets and strangeness, prompting an instinctual desire to flee. What was most bizarre was the larger Tai Chi diagram above, where the forces of black and white intertwined in this eerie setting, emitting mysterious energy.
After easily defeating their respective opponents, and with Alia and Howard breaking through the Tai Chi diagram of this layer, people from the other two areas also entered the upper level area. Similar to the previous mysterious and eerie environment, this area was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere of deathly stillness, as if wandering spirits lingered here. Trees resembled skeletal remains, their yellowed and withered leaves rustling in the wind like bloodthirsty whispers. Scattered across the ground were broken tombstones and desolate graves, irregular claw marks extending from the tombstones, seemingly traces of the deceased's desperate struggles. Faint wails echoed from afar, akin to mournful souls calling out, sending shivers down one's spine. This profound and eerie atmosphere was chilling, making it impossible for anyone to dare approach.
As Alia and Howard surveyed their surroundings, they were met with a different kind of horror and gloom. Bloodstains were visible everywhere, resembling eerie symbols that unfolded bizarre tales. Tree trunks bore dried bloodstains, as if remnants of torn limbs left lingering traces. Puddles on the ground presented a dark red hue, upon closer inspection revealing pools of blood. Rocks were mottled with bloodstains, reminiscent of memories from a brutal battle. Distant moans echoed, akin to cries of victims, sending chills down their spines. The air was thick with a strong metallic scent, suffocating and seemingly echoing the desperate cries of the deceased. This area exuded an aura of death, instilling endless fear and unease.
Alia and Howard, as vampires, were not frightened by the sight of blood. What puzzled them was why this long-hidden underground chamber had trees and fresh blood that hadn't dried up.
Howard turned to Alia and said, "If you're afraid, you can just go back down to the lower level. I'll come back to rescue you once I've made my way out and am in a better mood."
Upon hearing this, Alia fell into a silent rage. Her hands crossed in front of her, brows furrowed slightly, lips pressed together, looking away.
Edward, witnessing this scene, was momentarily lost in thought. Although he knew the woman before him was human and couldn't possibly be his dead fiancée, he couldn't help but be reminded of Aurelia's expressions whenever she was unhappy or displeased with him. The furrowed brows, pursed lips, avoiding eye contact, and silent treatment were all too familiar. In the past, he had used newly developed spells to cheer her up whenever she was upset. For this reason, he had invented many spells that were useless in battle but practical in daily life. He remembered one time when Aurelia was angry, he deliberately dirtied his clothes and then used his newly invented Clothing Cleaning Charm without adding the fire element, accidentally turning himself into a soaking wet vampire. However, this made Aurelia burst into laughter, and he couldn't help but join in. He remembered how Aurelia had taken his clothes and washed them again, dried them, and then returned them to him.
Edward's gaze softened as he thought about it, even though he knew Alia wasn't Aurelia. He suddenly said to her, "Don't worry, follow me, and I'll protect you."
Alia was taken aback by his words. She didn't know why Howard suddenly started being kind to her, but she didn't want to say anything. She simply followed behind Howard quietly, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
After walking for some time, they entered an area shrouded in mist. The fog swirled around them, creating a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere. As they navigated through the mist, they saw in the distance a sinister and terrifying palace looming ahead. The exterior of the palace was dilapidated and ancient, as if bearing the weight of endless years and heavy history. The entrance emitted a bloody scent, with bloodstains scattered around, hinting at hidden secrets and horrors within the depths of the palace. This all created a chilling scene that sent shivers down their spines.
As the two cautiously approached the palace gates, Howard stopped in his tracks and said, "If you're afraid, you can wait outside. I have a feeling that this is the key to reaching the next level, but there will likely be stronger enemies inside. You can wait for me to deal with them and then..."
Before Howard could finish, Alia interjected, "I want to go with you. Don't worry, I won't drag you down. If you die, I can at least give you a proper burial."
Howard couldn't help but chuckle at her words. "Haha, then I'm relieved," he said with a smile. He then ascended the steps and pushed open the palace doors, and the two slowly walked inside.
Once inside the palace, the doors closed behind them with a heavy thud, shattering the tranquility.
In the darkness, lights suddenly illuminated, with two rows of candles burning and casting a soft yet eerie glow, illuminating the interior of the palace. A wide red carpet was laid on the ground, extending from the entrance all the way to the depths of the palace. The color of the carpet appeared even richer and more vibrant under the candlelight.
At the far end of the palace, a tall throne was placed. Seated upon the throne was an elegant gentleman clad in a black robe. His face was stern yet filled with charm, his long hair cascading over his shoulders like the night. His eyes were deep and wise, seemingly capable of penetrating one's soul. He held a glass of red wine, the wine shimmering enticingly red under the candlelight, emitting a faint scent of blood.
He sat there quietly, as if he had been awaiting their arrival. His gaze paused on the two individuals for a moment, then he smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth and emitting a captivating aura. It all created a scene that was both eerie and mesmerizing, evoking an inexplicable allure and tension.
He then spoke, "I've been waiting for you, my descendants."