Ji Xia held the black gemstone in his hand, feeling a strange force emanating from it. A thin bubble enveloped him, rendering his figure seemingly invisible. No matter how swiftly he moved or how much spiritual energy he activated, the patrolling soldiers nearby remained oblivious to his presence.
Taking advantage of this, Ji Xia unleashed all his spiritual energy, racing toward the entrance to the Shrine of Worship that he had discovered earlier. In less than the time it takes to steep tea, Ji Xia arrived at the open expanse filled with black flowers.
As he stepped into the area, the black gemstone in his hand floated into the air, disintegrating into countless droplets that the flowers devoured. The ground sank, revealing the pathway leading to the Shrine of Worship.
The black droplets reemerged from the flowers, reformed into the gemstone, and returned to Ji Xia's hand. Without hesitation, Ji Xia entered the passage. Inside, he found numerous black-robed figures gathered before a massive statue of the God of Shadows.
Each figure stood silently, touching their forehead with their right hand and closing their eyes in prayer to the towering idol. Ji Xia quietly joined them, mirroring their gestures.
After about fifteen minutes, another seven or eight members of the Shrine arrived, including Ji Ning and Shi Yu. Ji Xia was somewhat surprised to see Ji Ning, recalling how Shi Yu had mentioned that Yanxiang Manor was specially arranged by Ji Ning to lure him into the Shrine of Worship.
However, Ji Ning had always puzzled Ji Xia. Despite standing face-to-face with her, his Golden Crow Suppressing Spirit Furnace showed no reaction. It was as if Ji Ning hadn't assimilated any worship spirits or carried the dark smoke that marked others.
In contrast, the furnace would become restless whenever it sensed the presence of any other black-robed individual, including Shi Yu and the Dark Priest. The furnace's reactions ranged from excitement to outright fear, depending on the strength of the person nearby.
Yet around Ji Ning, there was nothing.
As the gathering seemed complete, the Dark Priest rose and hovered above the crowd. His voice echoed:
"Six thousand seven hundred li away, a hidden nation has been discovered."
A droplet of black liquid extended from his finger, expanding into a map.
"This nation lies deep in a vast desert. Its enormity has deterred thorough exploration by the Grand Glyph Tribe, and its inhabitants live underground, evading detection. Thus, this nation's existence has escaped the records of the Grand Glyph Tribe."
"The underground city houses 980,000 Sand Scorpion Clan members. Though secluded, their souls are robust—perfect offerings for our God of Shadows."
Hearing this, the black-robed figures displayed fervent excitement, even Ji Ning and Shi Yu.
"Nine hundred eighty thousand souls mean nine hundred eighty thousand vessels of flesh and blood—an offering worthy of our god! The Grand Glyph Tribe knows nothing of this nation, so there's no need to fear their interference. The Sand Scorpion Clan's strength also ensures that their spirits are of superior quality, ideal for sacrifices!"
The Dark Priest's raspy voice reverberated in the chamber. The black-robed individuals, one after another, knelt in fervor, pleading for the chance to hunt and sacrifice the Sand Scorpion Clan.
Ji Xia, observing this, recalled Shi Yu's words: only by offering sacrifices could they gain perfect bodies and immense power from the God of Shadows.
The Dark Priest shook his head and addressed them:
"This mission is different. The entire shrine, save for Ji Ning and Shi Yu, who will remain to guard the statue, will head to the Sand Scorpion Clan's domain. The rest of you will bring back their flesh and blood for our god."
The crowd erupted in unison, pledging their loyalty.
Ji Xia's heart sank. "This complicates matters," he thought. "Traveling 6,700 li will take at least ten days. With less than ten days until the Day of Dusk, I've promised my people to return by then. Escaping during this journey will be fraught with danger."
As his mind raced, Ji Ning stepped forward and voiced her discontent:
"Dark Priest, why am I not allowed to participate? I've risked my life countless times for the God of Shadows. During the last sacrifice, I nearly died. Why am I excluded now?"
The Dark Priest, floating above, didn't even glance at her.
"Ji Ning, during your last mission, the god himself used your worship spirit as fuel to save your life. Do you forget this grace?"
Ji Ning retorted, her voice filled with resentment:
"I remember. That's why I'm eager to repay the god. Why deny me the opportunity?"
The Dark Priest sneered.
"Repay? You are no longer an assimilated being. How can you repay the god? You've lost your perfect body, your value to the god is gone. If it were up to me, I would've chosen to save the spirits and let you perish."
Ji Ning's face turned pale. Overwhelmed with anger and humiliation, she glanced at the Dark Priest with resentment.
The priest noticed her glare and raised his hand. A single droplet of black liquid descended onto Ji Ning. She froze, unable to move or even speak as her body began to dissolve into nothingness.
The Dark Priest's voice remained indifferent:
"Her resentment was dangerous. If she revealed our shrine's existence, it would be troublesome."
He turned his gaze to the group and finally pointed to Ji Xia.
"You're too weak. Stay here with Shi Yu to guard the shrine."
Ji Xia snapped back to attention, suppressing his shock and kneeling.
"Understood."
Relief flooded his mind as he thought, Heaven's blessing indeed!