At You’s reminder, Starlight finally noticed the changes in the pool. Though subtle, the water was clearly different from when he had first seen it.
The pool water, which had originally glowed with a soft pale blue, now seemed to have lost its unique vitality, its color gradually turning transparent.
The once vibrant quality of the water began to fade, replaced by a stillness and silence that brought a sense of unease.
At the same time, a trace of pain appeared on Lian’s face. The silver patterns beneath her skin flickered, as if struggling to maintain some kind of balance.
“Is this normal? Lian won't be in danger, will she?”
Starlight turned his head, only to see You’s weathered face twisted in a serious frown, deep worry etched into his features.
“This has never happened before in history. The energy in the pool is nearly exhausted by Lian's absorption. If it isn't replenished in time... I don't know what will become of this ritual.”
As You spoke, Lian’s condition worsened. Without the pool’s energy to neutralize it, the divine power entering her body became increasingly violent.
You’s eyes widened suddenly, and a dazzling, solid silver light erupted from his clouded pupils.
This light seemed to possess the power to pierce through all illusions, shooting straight into the depths of the pool to see exactly what was happening.
Driven by this force, the surface of the pool trembled slightly, the reflections in the water distorting as his gaze bypassed the surface, plunging into the dark, unfathomable depths.
At that moment, time inside the cavern seemed to freeze. The air grew heavy and silent, making even breathing feel difficult.
Only You’s eyes, flashing with silver light, remained the focus of the world.
However, the silver light did not last long. In less than ten seconds, it vanished abruptly, as if forcibly snuffed out by some power.
As the light faded, You’s body lurched violently, as if struck by an invisible, massive force. His face instantly turned as pale as paper.
He looked as if he had seen something terrifying; his eyes were filled with horror and disbelief. Then, he spat out a mouthful of silver-glinting blood.
The silver blood traced a brilliant arc through the air before landing on the ground with a “hissing” sound, even corroding a fine crack into the floor.
It was a shocking sight. Clearly, the damage You had sustained was significant. What kind of power could so easily wound a peak Saint Rank expert?
Amidst this sudden turn of events, the others nearby, who were still fooling around, immediately noticed something was wrong. Without hesitation, they rushed to the edge of the pool to find out what had happened.
Ryan appeared by You’s side in an instant, supporting his swaying body, his face full of concern and confusion.
“Lord You, what happened? What’s going on?”
You took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil, and spoke slowly.
“The ritual's energy... has been interrupted. I tried to use my ability to find the source, but I was immediately struck by a backlash. Lian... is in danger.”
“The energy was interrupted? Isn't there any other way to replenish it! Senior, what are you waiting for? Isn't Lian's safety the most important thing?!”
Starlight’s voice echoed in the hollow cave, filled with undisguised anxiety.
He stared into You’s eyes—eyes once full of wisdom that were now clouded by a thick gloom, revealing only deep helplessness and despair.
You simply shook his head, a tremor in his aged voice.
“Do you think I don't want to? But the energy in this pool is far beyond our control. It was never a power meant for mortals... If Lian cannot endure this... then it can only be the will of the Night God...”
“Gods... gods again! Their era ended long ago! Why do they get to interfere with Lian's fate now?!”
“I don't believe in any power that doesn't belong to mortals! Senior, let me try!”
A look of grim determination flashed in Starlight’s eyes. He could not accept this feeling of powerlessness. Thus, under the stunned gazes of everyone, he made a shocking decision.
Without waiting for a response from You or anyone else, Starlight took a step forward and jumped into the pool without hesitation. The icy water swallowed him instantly, leaving only ripples spreading across the surface.
Everyone present was stunned by Starlight’s actions. They hadn't expected him to make such an impulsive choice.
You was even more anxious. No one knew the hidden dangers of the pool better than he did. The uncontrolled divine power could tear Starlight’s body to pieces at any moment, or even shatter his soul.
After entering the water, Starlight quickly swam toward Lian, attempting to pull her out of this dangerous place.
However, Lian’s small body seemed to be held fast by invisible chains. No matter how hard he pulled, he couldn't move her an inch.
He couldn't understand what was happening. He looked around, trying to find the source of the power binding Lian, but there was nothing but icy water and dark shadows.
Just as he gripped Lian’s wrist once more, a familiar, sharp pain surged from his palm. It was the same Night God's power he had encountered on the seabed.
Upon contact with Lian’s body, the pent-up power within her seemed to find an outlet, surging frantically up Starlight’s arm.
An unprecedented, intense pain suddenly swept over him, nearly unbearable. Starlight felt as if his body were being torn apart by an invisible force; every cell was screaming, and his willpower seemed insignificant in that moment.
He tried to let go, but found it nearly impossible. His arm felt as if it had been petrified, locked uncontrollably onto Lian’s wrist.
Just as a suffocating sense of despair was about to swallow him, a sudden green light surrounded him like a fountain of life.
The green light was warm and gentle, instantly soothing the pain in Starlight’s body and allowing him to breathe again.
Starlight struggled to look aside. Through his blurred vision, he recognized Moen. She had appeared silently by his side at some point, looking at him with concern.
“Why did you... come down! Quick... go back!” Starlight gritted his teeth, his words coming in short bursts.
Although Moen’s Water Breathing Spell had arrived just in time, he realized that to help him, Moen had entered the most dangerous area.
He was about to tell Moen to leave his side to avoid being attacked by that terrible power, but it was already too late.
A soft hand lightly touched his shoulder. Immediately, that desperate power broke through his body’s defenses again, ruthlessly invading Moen’s body.
Moen’s face instantly turned as white as snow, and her bright blue eyes were filled with pain. Starlight looked at her face in horror, his heart filling with self-reproach and helplessness.
“Moen! No!”
Starlight roared in a low voice, trying to use his own power to resist the force invading Moen, but it all felt futile.
But the look Moen gave him was incredibly firm. As if she had expected this, she silently endured the scouring of the divine power.
Rate on N.U.
