Chapter 629: Hall Enters the Game

"As the Second Hall mentioned, something is definitely off with the Boundless Domain," the Sixth Hall whispered, walking towards the cathedral's entrance.

"Yes, I've been here once before... Although the climate is humid, with perennial fog and little sunlight, a significant number of people live here, and they come from all races. It's a sacred place where cultures converge and clash."

The middle-aged man's gaze swept across their surroundings. "But now, there's not a single person visible on the streets."

"I don't know if it's an illusion, but I feel like someone is watching us..."

"We are here as envoys from the Mortal Domain. No matter how chaotic the Boundless Domain is, it's still one of humanity's nine domains. They wouldn't dare lay a hand on us... Otherwise, they'd be provoking not just conflict between two domains, but a massive internal struggle within humanity. I suspect that even if this incident in the Mortal Domain is related to the Boundless Domain, it's likely an issue with a particular faction. We should first contact the Sorcery Association to get an update on the situation."

"That's true... but it's still best to be cautious."

"Understood."

As the two reached the cathedral entrance, a group of guards stopped them. The middle-aged man then took two sets of credentials from his pocket and handed them over.

"We are envoys from the Mortal Domain, and these are our identifications. You must have received the telegram from the Mortal Base; you should be aware of our purpose here."

"Yes, we are aware of your purpose, sirs."

The lead guard merely glanced at the documents before waving his hand, clearing a path for them. "Please, our President has been waiting for quite some time."

Witnessing this, the two Halls felt a slight easing of their minds. They walked directly through the crowd and entered the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral, no one greeted them, nor did anyone guide them. With furrowed brows, the two walked through the interior, following a long corridor deep into the church until they stopped before a magnificent golden gate.

The black-haired woman frowned, looking at the golden gate, which likely weighed several tons.

"The Boundless Domain... is it really this wealthy?"

"There's a school of thought here called 'Alchemy,' which can alter the basic structure of matter through equivalent exchange... But to exchange for a golden gate this massive, what an enormous price must have been paid?"

Even the Sixth Hall, who had visited the Boundless Domain before and understood some of its ways, was astonished by this golden gate. He placed his hands on the surface of the door, just about to push, when it opened inward automatically with a low hum.

A brilliant, dazzling light shone upon the faces of the two Halls. As they took in the sight behind the door, they froze instantly.

It was a palace constructed from gold, jewels, and various rare materials. Millions of colorful gemstones adorned the luxurious dome. The long prayer altar was made entirely of white jade, and even the benches seemed to have grown out of a golden floor. The phrase "resplendent with gold and jade" was insufficient to describe the scene before them.

And in the center of the cathedral, a figure clad in a magnificent robe, with fingers adorned and chest covered in jeweled necklaces, smiled as he watched them. He slowly raised his hands, like an emperor bathed in splendor.

"Special envoys, you have journeyed far, forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!" Brand, a Western-faced man, uttered an ancient Eastern proverb the moment he spoke, his face beaming with a hospitable smile.

The two Halls had not yet recovered from the breathtaking sight before them. Hearing Brand's voice, they finally turned their gaze towards him. After a moment of hesitation, the Fifth Hall spoke:

"Are you Brand, the acting president of the Sorcery Association?"

"Oh, yes, that's me!"

"Regarding the purpose of our visit, you must have already learned about it from the telegram," the Sixth Hall stated gravely. "However, I would like to ask one more thing: Since you've already received the telegram, why didn't you reply to the Mortal Base promptly?"

"About that, I am truly sorry... Recently, there's been so much to do in the Boundless Domain that I simply forgot to reply."

Brand replied with profound regret, one hand resting on his forehead.

Forgot to reply?

Hearing those four words, the faces of both Halls turned somewhat grim.

Communication via telegram between domains is rare unless the situation is urgent. When it does occur, it signifies a major event... This is an extremely serious matter, usually handled by designated personnel. Yet, on the Boundless Domain's side, a casual "forgot" is considered an acceptable excuse?

They exchanged a glance, but restrained themselves from reacting, and continued to ask:

"Since you are so 'busy,' we have no choice but to ask you in person... Regarding this recent attack on the Mortal Domain, our investigation has uncovered numerous traces that strongly suggest activities of the Witch God Path. How does the Sorcery Association explain this?"

"I am deeply pained by the plight of the Mortal Domain."

Brand said this, yet showed no real sign of distress. He merely feigned a sigh, then took a transparent, test-tube-like container from his pocket and began to toy with it.

Inside the container, a small, fingernail-sized stone, emitting a brilliant red glow, gently swayed with Brand's movements, clinking against the inner wall of the container.

Upon seeing the small red stone, confusion flickered in the Fifth Hall's eyes, while the Sixth Hall, who had knowledge of the Boundless Domain and the Alchemical School, found it somewhat familiar. His brow furrowed unconsciously, as if recalling something.

Brand toyed with the stone, smiling at the two.

Behind him, three figures who had just escaped from the Mortal Domain stood silently with bowed heads, like inconspicuous shadows.

"Is that... the Philosopher's Stone?" Finally, the Sixth Hall recalled where he had seen something similar.

"What stone?"

"Before the Great Cataclysm, during the European Middle Ages, there was a group of people who attempted to refine precious metals from base metals. They were known as the 'Alchemical School,' and in a sense, they were the precursor to modern chemistry," the Sixth Hall explained gravely.

"Later, those pursuing alchemy expanded from Europe, gradually spreading to every corner of the world, existing within various ancient civilizations..."

"As the Alchemical School developed, some of its adherents sought even grander goals, such as refining the so-called 'Philosopher's Stone' and researching 'artificial humans' through alchemical knowledge. The existence of the 'Philosopher's Stone' was considered miraculous, capable of granting immortality and eternal consciousness..."

"However, to my knowledge, the method the Sorcery Association now uses to refine the 'Philosopher's Stone' involves extracting, processing, and twisting vast numbers of human souls to turn them into fuel for eternal life. It's similar to the 'ever-burning lamps' made from human oil, lit during the burial of ancient emperors."

"However, to refine this 'Philosopher's Stone,' millions of human souls are required..."