Chapter 494: Necrotic Core
Chapter 494: Necrotic Core
Just moments ago, atop the rooftop of the northern city's shopping mall...
As Feng Bu Jue conversed with Soulstealer, an unusual gleam flickered in the latter's eyes. The massive, flame-engulfed Skull—previously cloaked in blazing orange-red fire—suddenly radiated a chilling blue flame that exuded bone-deep cold.
Simultaneously, the Bloodlust Demon and Penitent standing at either side bowed deeply in reverence. "Our King..." they intoned.
Feng Bu Jue raised his gaze. Within Soulstealer's hollow eye sockets, a hazy figure emerged—a shadowy silhouette crowned with regal authority.
"Mad Bu Jue..." The voice emanated not from the Skull's jaws, but directly from its eye sockets, unmistakably belonging to that spectral figure. "I have heard your plea." His tone was a cacophony of tortured shrieks compressed into a single, grating roar. The sound alone made ordinary souls' hair stand on end and sweat pour like rain.
Of course, there were exceptions to this auditory terror.
"Lord of the Nether Abyss?" Feng Bu Jue asked casually.
"Insolent!" The rightmost head of the Bloodlust Demon snapped toward him. "How dare this outsider address our King by name!"
"Enough", the Lord of the Nether Abyss interrupted. "Mad Bu Jue may lack decorum, but it matters not."
"Understood..." The Bloodlust Demon bowed meekly, falling silent.
Seeing the King's unexpected magnanimity, Feng Bu Jue seized the opening. "Forgive my impertinence... but how should I address Your Majesty?"
"If you wish to serve the Realm of the Dead..." the Lord intoned slowly, "you shall be counted among my subjects."
"Understood!" Feng Bu Jue knelt immediately, his single knee striking the rooftop like a seasoned flatterer. "Long live our King! Your divine might surpasses all! Your immortal blessings endure eternally! Your martial virtue reigns supreme! May your celestial fortune last ten thousand years, and your dominion over the realms stand eternal!"
"Wha—?!" The Bloodlust Demon recoiled in shock. This outsider's shamelessness shattered even their wildest imagination.
Even the ever-unshakable Penitent broke a cold sweat.
"Hm..." The Lord hesitated several seconds before erupting into laughter. "Hahahah! It seems you're desperate to join my ranks. Excellent... excellent indeed!"
Clearly, no one had ever dared to flatter him so brazenly. Those who bowed to him did so out of three parts reverence and seven parts terror, their obedience absolute, their gazes never lingering on his presence for more than two seconds.
This stemmed from his "Fear Aura"—a passive ability of this Four Pillars Deity. Any being weaker than him would instinctively feel terror upon seeing or hearing him, a physiological reaction akin to exposure to a Scarecrow's fear gas, followed by oppressive psychological effects. Even standing face-to-face with his physical form would lock ordinary players' Terror Value at 30% indefinitely.
Yet Feng Bu Jue was an exception. None of the fear effects—direct or indirect—worked on him. Thus, he could spew nonsense without restraint before Death's sovereign.
As Feng Bu Jue's honeyed words flowed, the Lord's favor toward this outsider skyrocketed.
"Whatever our King commands, I shall fulfill without hesitation!" Feng Bu Jue, sensing the King's delight, immediately shifted from "this one" to "your servant", cementing his subordinate status.
"Hmph... I've heard tales about you", the Lord mused. "The Second Devil Emperor brands you his archenemy. The Time Lord's Prison fell to you. The Tribunal of Truth branded you a supreme threat. Even the Derivative Beings whisper your name."
"Just empty accolades", Feng Bu Jue demurred. "Your servant's light shines like fireflies beside the moon's brilliance."
"Hehehe..." The Lord's dignity wavered under this onslaught of flattery. "You flatter skillfully indeed."
"I'm going to vomit..." the Bloodlust Demon mentally groaned, Feng Bu Jue's behavior finally triggering even an Npc's sarcasm.
"Since you show such sincerity..." the Lord continued, "I shall grant you a chance." He regained his Four Pillars Deity's composure. "Though your reputation precedes you, I cannot acknowledge you unconditionally. Do you understand?"
"Your Majesty's wisdom shines!" Feng Bu Jue enthused. "I shall procure proof of loyalty immediately!"
"Perceptive indeed", the Lord chuckled.
"But..." Feng Bu Jue lifted his gaze, eyes glinting with cunning. "The situation here grows volatile. Other Pillar Deities' factions are deploying elites. Though I'm confident facing a Shi Guan or Juror, I fear overwhelming numbers. Even the mightiest tiger falters against a pack of wolves..."
"That is your concern", the Lord's tone chilled.
"Tch... Of course it wouldn't be easy", Feng Bu Jue mused. "After all, this is a world boss. Even the best player negotiations might only dissuade him from crushing an ant outright. If not for my accumulated reputation across scenarios, he wouldn't have given me this 'opportunity' at all."
"Understood!" He bowed deeply. "Please await my return, Your Majesty."
Before his words faded, the shadow in Soulstealer's eyes turned away, its form dissolving. Moments later, Soulstealer's flames reverted to their original crimson hue, its voice now issuing from its jaws. "Mad Bu Jue, it seems you've left quite an impression on our King."
Brushing dust from his robes, Feng Bu Jue stood, his usual "unflappable as a dead pig" arrogance resurfacing. "Was your consciousness still present?"
"Of course", Soulstealer replied.
"Good!" Feng Bu Jue nodded. "Now that we're on the same team, you must lend me a hand."
"Who said we're on the same—" The Bloodlust Demon interjected, but Soulstealer's booming laughter cut him off.
"Indeed! We are allies now", Soulstealer declared.
"Wha—?!" The Bloodlust Demon's three heads turned in unison.
"Mind yourself", Soulstealer silenced them with a glance before addressing Feng Bu Jue. "Your intent is clear. You seek tangible assistance from us?"
"Precisely", Feng Bu Jue confirmed.
"Hmph... Very well!" Soulstealer rumbled. Its massive head shook violently, releasing a surge of ghostly energy. Twin jets of spectral flame erupted from its eyes.
As the flames dispersed, a sacred artifact materialized—a palm-sized, hexagonal coffin-shaped object hovering in midair.
The Bloodlust Demon's expression darkened. Penitent murmured, "Hmm?" in surprise.
"Shall I take it?" Feng Bu Jue stepped forward, seizing the artifact before the residual heat could fade.
"You outsiders..." Soulstealer intoned, "surely possess the ability to identify this item?"
Feng Bu Jue scanned the item description in five seconds, then pocketed it without hesitation. "Grateful."
With his thanks delivered, he turned to leave.
"Do not forget..." Soulstealer's voice followed him. "Return it after use, no matter whom you face."
"In your dreams", Feng Bu Jue thought, yet outwardly maintained a cold façade, glancing over his shoulder. "Rest assured, I shall return it." Privately, he added, "In ten years, perhaps..."
As Feng Bu Jue vanished into the night with several agile leaps, the Bloodlust Demon finally erupted. "Why aid him? I see no value in this weakling!"
"Heh..." Soulstealer laughed darkly. "Out(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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