Chapter 62: In the Name of the Silver King……

Chapter 62: In the Name of the Silver King...

“Finding resonance, gathering killing intent… is this the key to attracting the foundation of the Way of the War God?”

Chen Ling committed these eight words to memory. He suddenly recalled that when he received the Way of the War God's attention in the mansion, he seemed to be in this very state… intense hatred consumed him. Standing before Bone Blade, he, who had never killed anyone before, used a dagger to cleave open the opponent’s body. The killing intent within him at that time was so potent that it barely subsided after he had slaughtered everyone in the entire mansion. The difference, however, was that he had been directly bestowed the divine way by the star representing the Way of the War God in the sky. This time, those entering the Ancient Treasury of War were acquiring the divine way from the “foundation” within the treasury. In terms of effect, the latter should be inferior to the former.

“Before entering the Ancient Treasury, there are two rules you must remember.”

“First, you may freely kill all creatures manifested within the Ancient Treasury of War, as they are merely projections of ancient killing intent… However, you must not kill each other. Manifested creatures can regenerate after death, but if you die… you are truly gone.” At this point, he glanced at Yan Xicai and added, “Of course, if you die at the hands of a manifested creature during a battle, that counts as an accident… Regardless, you must always prioritize your own lives.”

“Second, the treasury will automatically seal itself after you enter, reopening only after 24 hours. During this period, there is no temporary exit. Again, if you encounter an emergency, prioritize your own life.”

“Every year, Enforcers are sent into the Ancient Treasury of War, but less than one-tenth manage to step onto the Way of the War God… It doesn't matter if you don't achieve it, but if you die here, everything is lost.” Every word from the Enforcer was a reminder to the group not to be too aggressive, to minimize unnecessary casualties within the treasury.

Meanwhile, Chen Ling felt a gaze fall upon him… He turned to see Yan Xicai, surrounded by numerous Enforcers, smirking at him… The other seven Usurpers also frowned, their eyes glinting as they watched him. Chen Ling directly ignored the gazes from both groups. His dark brown overcoat swayed gently in the wind as he stood at the bow, watching the approaching Ancient Treasury of War, lost in thought.

Soon after, the ship reached the base of the colossal Sky Sword, docking before a massive gateway. There were no walls, no paths; the black gate simply stood in isolation on the frozen sea, with endless void behind it…

“We’re here,” the Four-Mark Enforcer said, checking the time. “Passing through that gate marks your official entry into the Ancient Treasury of War… The ship will wait for you here in 24 hours.”

The group exchanged glances and moved to the edge of the deck. They gazed at the black gate standing before the void, momentarily unsure how to enter… Just then, Lu Xuanming, who had been silent throughout, suddenly stepped forward. He climbed onto the railing, leapt high into the air, and plunged into the black gate, vanishing completely. Lu Xuanming's decisive action startled the others. Soon, more and more people followed suit, taking a deep breath before leaping from the ship into the gate.

“Chen Ling, isn’t it?” Yan Xicai sneered, one foot on the railing, addressing Chen Ling. “I’ll be waiting for you in the Ancient Treasury…” With that, he too leaped down, disappearing without a trace. The seven Usurpers followed close behind.

By the time almost everyone had departed, Chen Ling was left alone on the deck. Beneath the black Sky Sword, his figure appeared as tiny as an ant. Three Enforcers in trench coats stood behind him. “Go on in,” the Five-Mark Enforcer slowly said. “Even if you choose to back out now, Yan Xicai will still find a way to kill you once we’re ashore… His influence is far greater than you imagine.” Seeing Chen Ling hesitate, they assumed he was afraid. After all, anyone with sense would know that once inside the Ancient Treasury, Yan Xicai would mobilize all his forces to hunt him down. Entering this ancient treasury was, for him, practically a death sentence.

After a long silence, Chen Ling slowly turned his head… He offered a faint smile to the three Enforcers. “Who said I was backing out?” He leaned back against the railing, then simply tilted backward, gracefully dropping off the ship and vanishing into the black gate.

Darkness enveloped Chen Ling’s vision. When he opened his eyes again, his feet were already standing on a cliff.

The numerous Enforcers who had entered the Ancient Treasury before him were now standing in an arc in front of him, seemingly waiting… They looked at Chen Ling with expressions of dismay, regret, schadenfreude, and pity. Everyone who had witnessed the confrontation between him and Yan Xicai on the ship knew… Chen Ling was doomed. This was the inevitable consequence of angering Yan Xicai. Ultimately, he was just a junior Enforcer who had recently been promoted from District Three; how could he possibly contend with the powerful Yan Xicai? Among them were Enforcers from other major districts, most of whom felt sympathy for Chen Ling. After all, even if they were in his shoes, their fate today wouldn't be much better… However, they also couldn't speak up for Chen Ling. Their only relief now was that Yan Xicai had targeted Chen Ling, not themselves.

Surrounded by the crowd, Chen Ling’s expression remained unchanged. He shifted his gaze to Number 8 and others standing at the edge of the group… The Usurpers’ eyes flickered; they seemed to have no intention of interfering in Chen Ling’s situation, lost in their own thoughts.

“You actually dared to come in… Should I call you arrogant? Or brave?” Yan Xicai, surrounded by numerous Enforcers, spoke slowly, his gaze at Chen Ling chilling and severe. As he lightly raised his right hand, over a dozen Aurora City Enforcers behind him simultaneously drew their guns! More than ten dark muzzles pointed at Chen Ling, leaving him no blind spots for evasion… Yan Xicai was clearly determined to kill Chen Ling here. Bullets were ready in the chambers. In front of Chen Ling was a dense hail of gunfire, behind him an endless abyss; he had nowhere left to retreat.

Chen Ling’s hand went to his waist. The moment he pulled out his gun, everyone’s nerves instantly tensed. Yan Xicai subconsciously gripped the sacred artifact in his pocket, Pu Wen stepped protectively to his side, and the aura of the Way of the Book God quietly emanated. Simultaneously, all armed Enforcers instinctively prepared to pull their triggers! Yet, amidst the tense atmosphere, Chen Ling slowly inserted the muzzle of the gun into his own mouth.

Chen Ling smiled. His lips curled uncontrollably, and madness gleamed in his eyes! “Do you think, if I die… everything will just end?”

Under everyone’s gaze, he raised his right fingertip and lightly touched his brow… like a profoundly devout worshipper, he spoke into the void: “Usurping the Way of Heaven, seizing the universe. In the name of the Silver King, God of Finality and Theft… You will all die here.”

Bang—!!

Chen Ling pulled the trigger. The instant the bullet pierced his throat, his face shifted, transforming into the appearance of Usurper Number 13, whom he had previously killed. Then, lifeless, he fell backward into the abyss…

Usurpers: ????