Chapter 288: Breakthrough
Chapter 288: Breakthrough
"That's right."
Carl nodded, stretching his body as he spoke. "It's not so much a legendary elixir as it is a blasphemy elixir. Once ingested, the body undergoes irreversible changes."
"In the end..."
"You become a blasphemy beast!"
Rachelle and Hume's faces turned grim.
Their initial reaction to this news was shock and fear, followed by disbelief. But the expressions of the two novice priests nearby were clear as day, leaving them no choice but to accept the truth.
"How do you know?" The female novice priest blurted out, then quickly realized her mistake and closed her mouth, avoiding eye contact.
"Is this true?" Rachelle trembled with anger, picking up her bow and arrow and aiming at the novice priests. Her forehead veins bulged as she shouted, "You want to turn us into monsters!"
"Never mind." Carl waved his hand, "They're just following orders from above; there's no need to take out your anger on them."
"Connie!" Rachelle stomped her foot, her voice urgent. "If you knew this, why did you still take the elixir?"
"I only found out after taking it," Carl shook his head slightly, his face calm. "No harm done!"
"Death is inevitable, whether as light as a feather or as heavy as a mountain. If my death can awaken others, it's worth it."
Not only did Rachelle and Hume's expressions turn serious, but even the novice priests' faces showed a hint of complexity. They couldn't even bring themselves to look at Carl.
"The Cathedral has forgotten its original purpose and has become a place for certain people to gain benefits," Carl said sternly, continuing his act.
"Mercy, justice, courage, fearlessness..."
"How many people still remember the Cathedral Knight's code? It's time for a change."
"Let's go!"
He waved his hand, "Let's go see the Golden Fruit Tree."
The others exchanged glances, each with complex expressions and thoughts, but they all stood firm.
The group headed towards the Golden Fruit Tree.
"The blasphemy elixir isn't all bad," Carl said, flexing his wrist and smiling at the group. "My body's recovery ability is astonishing. I was severely injured just now, but I feel like I can move freely now."
"And my strength is increasing rapidly."
The male novice priest glanced at him, paused, and spoke softly, "You'd better not use the energy within your body. The effects of the blasphemy elixir are irreversible, and the more you use it, the more likely you are to undergo a transformation."
Perhaps it was because Carl had saved his life, or maybe his impassioned words had some effect, but the novice priest's attitude towards Carl had changed significantly. He no longer spoke from a position of superiority.
"Hmph!"
Rachelle scoffed.
"I know, thanks for the reminder," Carl said, his eyes flickering as he looked at the other priest. "By the way, I don't even know your names?"
"I'm Jerry, and she's Nicole," the male novice knight introduced. "We were raised by Cathedral Knights since we were young and once followed the knight's code, but ever since a few years ago..."
"Everything changed," Nicole nodded slowly, her expression gloomy.
"Things will get better," Carl smiled, a look of fearless righteousness on his face. "If we work together towards the same goal, nothing can stop us."
Nicole's heart stirred, and a hint of fanaticism shone in her eyes.
How long had it been? Since she had witnessed certain things and grown up, she hadn't felt this surge of passion.
Jerry, on the other hand, calmed down after his initial excitement, his eyes deep in thought.
Anyone can shout slogans, but they do nothing to solve real problems.
Just like Carl.
They acknowledged Carl's strong will and loyal faith, but what good would it do? Could it change the outcome of their transformation?
"Whoa..."
Parting the leaves, the Golden Fruit Tree came into view.
Beneath the tree lay the corpse of a Hell Hound, and nearby, a giant was resting, recovering from his injuries.
Two blasphemy beasts stood guard beside them.
It seemed they had defeated the Hell Hound but had also sustained injuries and lost one of the blasphemy beasts.
"Hmm?"
Hearing the commotion, Lenz opened his eyes and looked up, his expression darkening as he saw the group. "How did you get here? Didn't I tell you to lead the Hell Hound away and then return to base?"
"We were worried about your safety, so we came to check on you," Jerry said hastily.
"There's no need," Lenz grunted. "Go back quickly."
"Wait!" Carl suddenly frowned, his eyes fixed on the giant in the field, his face turning cold. "Who is he?"
"Hmm?" Lord Lenz's eyes narrowed.
"Who he is has nothing to do with you. Leave now. I'll remember your contributions, but don't interfere further."
"Yes, yes," Jier nodded repeatedly, signaling to Karl with his eyes, "We're leaving."
But Karl wasn't ready to let it go. He stood his ground, determined to get to the bottom of things.
"This man has the scent of a demon lord's vassal. Could it be that you, as a Cathedral Knight, are colluding with the demon lord's minions?"
"How dare you!" Lord Lenz's anger erupted as he rose to his feet, shouting, "Who are you to question me?"
"Lord Lenz!" Karl didn't back down, his face filled with righteousness. "By colluding with the demon lord, you've violated the Cathedral Code. You're no longer worthy of being a Cathedral Knight. A man without faith like you, teaching others, will only lead them astray."
"Haha..." Lord Lenz laughed in anger. "The Cathedral Code? I'm surprised anyone still remembers it. What if I did break it? So what?"
"Colluding with the demon lord, you deserve death!" Karl drew his broadsword, his eyes fixed on Lord Lenz. "As a member of the Cathedral, I have the right to eliminate sinners like you according to the Cathedral Law!"
"Swish!"
Ten Thousand Buddha Palm - Nine Continuous Strikes!
Sword energy danced wildly, slicing through the air in nine consecutive attacks, each one landing at the end of the previous strike.
The ferocious force instantly whipped up a fierce wind.
Hmm? Lord Lenz's face twitched slightly.
He hadn't expected Karl, who had just advanced to the Legendary rank, to be so formidable. Moreover, he was still injured.
"Damn it!"
"Boom!"
Celestial Wolf Phantom Fist!
A phantom fist appeared out of thin air, colliding with the incoming sword energy, and both figures were sent flying backward.
Karl didn't pause for a moment. He rose again, sword raised for another attack.
"Die!"
His companions, including Riqier and Jier, were unsure how to react to the unfolding situation.
Help Karl?
No way. Lord Lenz was a Cathedral Priest and one of the Second Elder's most trusted associates.
Moreover, there was an unknown demon lord's vassal in the room.
Help Lord Lenz?
Karl had just saved them, and his passionate speech had left a deep impression on them.
Before they could decide, the situation had already changed.
"Boom!"
Lord Lenz coughed, his injuries taking a toll. Karl's relentless assault was proving too much for him to handle.
"Lord Lenz, my friend, it seems the situation within the Cathedral isn't as clear as you've made it out to be."
The Titan rose, stretching his arms. "I'll take over!"
Boom! A volcano seemed to erupt within him, and his surging energy dominated the room.
Second Circle!
Riqier and Jier's faces paled, their instincts screaming in fear, much like mice before a cat.
Their gazes towards Karl were filled with pity.
It's over!
A Legendary who had just advanced couldn't possibly stand a chance against a Second Circle opponent, even with their injuries.
Indeed, it was as they thought.
Facing the oppressive energy of a Second Circle powerhouse, Karl, a First Circle, couldn't even move.
"Crack... Crack..."
His body trembled, his teeth clenched. "I am a Cathedral Knight, fearless and unwavering, guarding the path of justice..."
"Heh..." The Titan shook his head in disdain. "Foolish!"
"Knight!" Karl lifted his head, his pale battle aura thickening until it enveloped his entire body. "I am a true knight!"
Hmm? The Titan's expression shifted, as if sensing something unbelievable.
"Crack!"
A loud crack echoed.
"Roar!"
Karl roared, and a pair of pitch-black wings unfurled from his back.
"Blasphemy Beast!"
Lord Lenz's eyes widened in shock.
"No!"
A Second Circle Blasphemy Knight!
Under the Titan's oppressive pressure, Karl, with his unwavering will, broke through the crisis and advanced to the Second Circle.
"Impossible!" Hum's face froze in disbelief. "He just advanced to the Knight rank."
"Yes," Riqier's face was also filled with awe, and a strange fervor slowly grew in her eyes.
"This must be a blessing from the gods!"
Jier and Nikko, the novice priests, exchanged glances, their minds filled with unspoken thoughts. Together, they knelt on the ground.
"Kill!"
Ten Thousand Buddha Palm - Thirty-Six Continuous Strikes!
Karl, transformed by the power of the beast, broke free from the Titan's oppressive energy and swung his broadsword at his opponent.
"Die!"
(End of Chapter)
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