Master the Abyss, starting from an apprentice priest

Outside the city of Sina, the sunset hills.

Torch Party, in another medium-sized camp.

In the sacred fire tent in the center of the camp, "Flame Burner" Byrne was facing an upside-down corpse with his hands raised in the air, performing a "burning sacrifice" ceremony to pray to the "Destruction Seat".

Since the last time, "Flame Burner" Byrne was forcibly transformed into a "Crazy Devotee" by "Shura" with "Crazy Piety", Byrne has continued to dormant within the Torch Party without any abnormality.

As the elite within the Torch Party, second only to the "Lord of Divine Fire" and "Sacred Fire Priest", Byrne, whose followers were wiped out by the group, did not receive harsh criticism from the superiors, but transferred him to another stronghold.

This stronghold is smaller than the one controlled by Byrne before, and the configuration of believers is also weaker.

However, Byrne no longer cares about this. Now, as a secret apostle of [Holy Abyss], he no longer has even a trace of loyalty to his original camp "Torch Party".

In Byrne's mind, [Red Lotus] no longer belongs to him, but is just a power that can be used. The existence that he should really serve is the [Holy Abyss], where is the source of power that he longs for and worships.

However, unlike Intis, "Burner" Byrne had such an idea forcibly implanted in his mind. He was not actually qualified to receive the power of the [Abyss] from Luo Xiu.

The shadow of [Holy Abyss] is just a shadow.

Just outside the sacred fire tent, those "Servants of Destruction" and "Torch Believers", as usual, made violent explosions from time to time. Byrne knew that this often meant that a believer was heading for real destruction.

Byrne ignored the movement outside the tent and focused on the "burning sacrifice" in front of him.

Suddenly.

In Byrne's ears, there was a low, vague, and distant murmur.

"——Kneel down to me and welcome my 'agent'."

Byrne's pupils shrank, and his body suddenly trembled for no reason.

Byrne has already heard that it is the voice of "Shura" from [Holy Abyss]!

Byrne hurriedly stopped the "sacrifice" in his hand and knelt down in the direction of no one.

Right in front of Byrne, a cyan light and shadow suddenly flashed past. The light and shadow dispersed into a dense mist, and something was condensed and formed from the mist.

——That is the "agent"! Such thoughts flashed through Byrne's mind, and he lowered his head, not daring to look directly at the incarnation of "Shura".

When he noticed that the changes in front of him seemed to have stopped at a certain moment, Byrne's eyes could only see a pair of snow-white bare feet hidden in the light cyan skirt.

Byrne faintly heard the crisp sound of wind chimes. In his ears, a cold and deep voice came at the same time:

"——'The Flamebringer', Byrne Dunst."

The voice was quiet and said slowly, "You are the shadow of the first 'Holy Abyss' chosen by the Lord."

"I am here to convey the Lord's will to you."

"On the outskirts of 'Xina City', there is the ruins of Xifeng Village. The 'Desolate Church' in the center of the ruins is the 'promised place'."

"The Lord asked me to convey that at midnight, all the 'shadows' must go to the 'promised place'."

"Don't be late, let alone be exposed. The Lord will meet you at the 'appointed place'..."

"..."

When the voice of the "agent" ended with a clear and long tail, Byrne raised his head.

But he saw nothing. The "Agent" has drifted away with her voice, leaving only the slight sound of "ding bell, ding bell--" wind chimes.

"'Desolate Church'...'The Promised Place'..."

Byrne murmured, his pupils gradually dilated, and his face showed an uncontrollable and fanatical look.

…

The same situation unfolded in four other "pagan strongholds" not long after.

"Bloodthirsty" Boozer, "Hunting Blade" Undertaker, "Nature's Blessed" Emera, "Life's Blessed" Elena, "Dream Stealer" Pior, five of the [Sacred Abyss] The first generation of apostles all received orders from Intis on behalf of "Shura".

…

In the cave of the "Beast Cult", Boozer's eyes suddenly became profound.

He looked at the blue moon that showed endless coldness on the horizon, and his expression gradually became serious and deep.

…

In the "Assassin's League", the "Undertaker", covered in black, is hanging upside down from the beam.

The mourner's eyes were cold. His right hand was holding a dagger with strange patterns, and his left hand was gently stroking the blade.

After receiving the notice from the "Agent", the "Undertaker" began to think about how to leave the alliance headquarters quietly and go to the "promised place".

…

In the city of Sina, in a stronghold of the "Primitive Sect", the twin sisters "Emela" and "Elena" were hugging each other tightly.

As the "Blessed Ones of Nature" and "The Blessed Ones of Life", they were originally the "Mother Goddess's Lovers" who had high hopes from the original sect.

However, it is obvious that they now have new beliefs.

Sisters "Emela" and "Elena", they just received the message from the "Agent", so they dismissed all the holy servants in this stronghold.

In this way, no one will be able to notice them when they leave.

…

A watch shop located in the most prosperous district of "Triumph Square".

The gentleman shopkeeper "Piol Solano", wearing a half-high silk top hat and a double-breasted tuxedo, tilted his head and looked at the time displayed on the wall clock.

Pior, the "Dream Stealer", was originally one of the many masks scattered in Sina City by the "Mourning Mask" of Nothingness.

"There's still time, there's still time..."

Pior murmured, and he immediately stood up from the leather seat, walked to the wall pillar on one side, and picked up a silver-encrusted cane.

Afterwards, Pior walked to a life-size mirror and arranged his clothes one last time in front of the mirror.

After confirming that he was well dressed and in good condition, Pior came to the door with a cane.

He then turned the door handle and walked out of the shop quietly and silently.

…

midnight.

Outside Sina City, there are ruins of Xifeng Village.

This is an ancient village ruins that existed here before the "City of Sina" was built.

The terrain here is open and flat, but the wind blowing from any direction will always "avoid" this village - hence the name "Xifeng Village".

Due to the age, most of the buildings here are now in ruins.

Only one church in the center still retains most of its original appearance, and that is the "Desolate Church".

And this is the "promised place" chosen by Intis.

At this time, in the center of the lobby of the "Desolate Church", "Shura" was sitting on the stone-inlaid main seat that originally symbolized the identity of the "Bishop".

He wears a wide jet black cloak, and on the edge of the cloak, dark purple lines are woven with delicate craftsmanship. On those strange patterns, dark flowing light like rippling water is looming among them.

"Shura"'s face was still wearing the "black patterned puppet" that symbolized his identity, and he was calmly waiting for the arrival of the "shadows". "Faceless One" Intis stood behind him. She spread her perception outside the ruined church, capturing the abnormal surge of spirituality around her.

Suddenly, Intis said softly:

"...They're coming."

In Intis's perception, there were six special spirits marked by "fog and shadow", moving towards the location of the "Desolated Church".

Luo Xiu held his right hand slightly and gently rubbed the armrest of the stone seat.

He raised his head slightly and looked into the distance.

As Luo Xiu, the "Grand Blessing of Punishment", his "perception" attribute is not higher than that of "Civet Cat" Intis. But at the end of his sight, he also saw his "shadows", which were gradually becoming clearer.

…

The first person to come to the "promised place" was the "Hunting Blade" mourner.

As a superior transcendent of the "Ku Tu" "Assassin", the Undertaker has the highest "agility" attribute among all the "Apostles of the Holy Abyss". He almost extinguished all his breath, and when he noticed his presence, he had already appeared in front of Luo Xiu.

"...Lord."

The mourner knelt down on one knee and bowed to the "Shura" as a subordinate.

"...My blade will slit the throats of all those who stand in your way."

Luo Xiu nodded slightly as a response to the mourner's salute. The mourner then half stood up and retreated to the other side of the ruined church.

…

After waiting for a moment, "Bloodthirsty Werewolf" Boozer and "Burner" Byrne arrived at the same time.

As if they sensed the aura of the same kind, the moment Byrne and Boozer first met, their suspicious and scrutinizing eyes fell on each other at the same time.

But this scrutiny did not last.

Byrne and Boozer felt the unkind gaze from "Shura" at the same time.

Byrne and Boozer, they had a cold war almost at the same time.

They then shifted their gaze, walked towards "Shura", and knelt on the ground.

"Lord, your loyal servant has followed you."

"...I hope for your guidance."

Byrne and Boozer greeted Luo Xiu at the same time.

Luo Xiu was still speechless, but nodded slightly.

Byrne and Boozer then half stood up and retreated to the side.

Byrne retreated to the side of the "Hunting Blade" mourner. Suddenly, he felt a cold and gloomy breath, and he shivered all over.

Byrne looked at the source of the formidable aura and saw the "Undertaker" covered in black. At this time, he was constantly looking at him with a deep and malicious gaze.

"..." Byrne wanted to rebuke, but recalling the unkind attitude from "Shura" just now, the words of rebuke were retracted in his throat.

"Pottery." The mourner suddenly smiled contemptuously and uttered sarcastic words.

Byrne frowned, but quickly calmed down.

Because Byrne can sense——

Among the "shadows" that have come to the scene, I am the weakest!

The werewolf opposite him and the "Hunting Blade" beside him had auras that were several times stronger than his own! Many times more dangerous!

"Flame Burner" Byrne immediately took his breath and just narrowed his eyes slightly.

Byrne's eyes then looked at "Shura" sitting on the stone throne.

The Shura wearing the "black-striped puppet" was still sitting calmly at the top, seemingly turning a blind eye to the behavior of the "mourner".

"..." Byrne then calmed down, closed his eyes, and decided not to have anything to do with the "assassin" around him.

Byrne chose to follow his heart.

…

About two minutes later, two soft and light figures slowly appeared in everyone's sight.

Emera, the "Blessed by Nature", and Elena, the "Blessed by Life". Wearing the same pure white clothes, they walked into the ruined church hand in hand.

They knelt down and saluted Luo Xiu together, and each raised their left and right hands to salute "Shura":

"I give you my all, Lord."

Luo Xiu remained the same and just nodded slightly in response.

Emera and Elena then retreated to the side of "Bloodthirsty Werewolf" Boozer.

Their eyes, as calm as water, did not drift to any "shadow" in the field, but only fell on "Shura" from beginning to end.

Intis, who was standing behind Luo Xiu, glanced at Emera and Elena.

These twin sisters have exactly the same delicate faces, as if they were carved from the same mold.

However, it's easy to tell them apart. Because they have different hair colors, the patterns on their pure white clothes are also different.

As the sister's "Blessed by Nature", Emera, she has pure white long, slightly curly hair, and the color of her clothing trim is pale blue; as the younger sister, the "Blessed by Life" Elena, her long hair is colored It is light gold, and the edges of the clothing are vibrant green.

Intis' eyes did not stay on them for too long.

Everyone present could clearly hear the voice of "Shura" sitting on the stone throne at the top.

"The time has passed."

Luo Xiu said in a low voice, his tone was emotionless and indifferent.

When Luo Xiu spoke, he emitted an extremely strong spiritual surge, wrapping everyone present in it.

"However, Pior, the 'Dream Stealer' of [Nothingness], still has not arrived."

Luo Xiu's cold voice, along with his surging spirituality, flooded into the minds of all the "crazy believers" present. They felt throbbing pains coming from their brains.

"He has the last five minutes."

Luo Xiu said indifferently.

…

About three minutes passed, and at the dilapidated doorway of the "Desolate Church", the last figure finally appeared belatedly.

Pior, the "dream thief", entered the ruined church with a cane and a restless heart.

However, Pior, who had just entered the church, was immediately shrouded in several unkind glances.

Pior's body shivered and he shuddered violently.

The "Shura" sitting at the top, the "faceless man" behind him, and the other five "shadows" from different fates all looked at him.

Pior suddenly felt an unpleasant premonition in his heart.

"You still have a chance to explain, Pior."

"Shura" who was sitting on the top stone seat asked calmly in the direction of Piol:

"...Answer me, what is the reason why you are late?"

When "Shura" asked Piol, cold sweat began to form on Piol's forehead, and he said with a trembling voice:

"I, I just think there is enough time, um..."

"I think I should come to see you in the most appropriate dress, the most elegant state and appearance..."

"..."

While "Dream Stealer" Pior was explaining, Luo Xiu also noticed his clothes.

The "Dream Stealer" Pior at this time was different from when he was hiding the leader of the stronghold in the Triumph Square as the "Mourning Mask".

At this time, Pior was wearing a very formal double-breasted dress and a silk top hat that symbolized the status of a gentleman. The whole person exuded an elegant temperament.

He was like a bard who was invited to a noble banquet; like a businessman who tried to dress himself up as an upper-class businessman with exquisite clothes.

In addition to Pior's identity as the "Mourning Mask", he does have another secular identity as a "watch shop businessman".

Just for this reason... Luo Xiu shook his head, feeling that Piol's explanation seemed very feeble.

However, this is also in line with the teachings of [Nothingness] and their pursuit of "meaninglessness".

And Pior, who was late, could just be Luo Xiu's first target to establish his authority in the "Holy Abyss"!

Luo Xiu's thoughts moved slightly, and his voice also turned soft:

"Piol, you should understand."

"I did not summon you to the 'Promised Place' for a meaningless, time-killing dinner or dance."

"So, put those thoughts aside, Pior."

"You will be punished by the 'Holy Abyss' for your neglect!"

After speaking, Luo Xiu raised his arm.

A group of dark purple flames rushed straight from Pior's shadow to his face!

——Nightmare Wolf!

Pior was horrified, but he did not dare to escape.

As the apostle of the "Holy Abyss" and the shadow of "Shura".

Pior knew that this was the price he had to pay!

…

In fact, the reason Pior arrived late was because he got lost.

He misjudged the time it would take him to arrive at the "Xifeng Village Ruins", which was why he was late.

"Please punish...please..." Pior said with a trembling voice.

Pior's face had turned pale, and he was afraid of the "Nightmare Wolf" in front of him.

——Because before being brainwashed by "Crazy Piety", during the battle between Pior and Luo Xiu, he was alone in the "clock shop" and was single-handedly attacked by this demon wolf!

As an illusion profession related to "dreams", Pior is naturally antagonized by "Nightmare Wolf", and Pior's "Dream Thief" is a profession that assists and weakens, not fights.

Facing the demon wolf in front of him, Pior dared not move at all, but looked at "Shura" sitting on the stone seat with a begging look.

In the next moment.

"-Uh ah!" Pior suddenly screamed.

Then, Pior began to hold his head, curled up on the ground and kept rolling.

"Nightmare Wolf" Fenrir, at this time, has turned into a nightmare, pouring into the depths of Pior's soul.

Fenrir weaved a nightmare and dragged Pior's consciousness into the nightmare of the nightmare, constantly intimidating his soul to breed fear, and then "swallowing" those fears like tasting sweet candy.

"- Hum hum ah ah ah ah ah!"

Pior kept rolling, blood had flowed out of his eyes, nose and mouth, smearing hideous patterns on the ground.

"Please forgive me! Uh... Lord!"

"Please... Please forgive me..."

Pior wailed, begging for mercy, and his face became paler.

The other "shadows" around him looked at Pior rolling on the ground in silence, with unprecedented solemnity and seriousness on their faces.

This is "punishment"! The "punishment" from the "Lord of the Holy Abyss" to those who are not punctual...

The "shadows" felt more awe in their hearts.

...

Luo Xiu observed Pior's state and reaction.

When Luo Xiu felt that the "punishment" had achieved the desired effect, he raised his hand slightly and let the "Nightmare Wolf" Fenrir release Pior's soul.

"Cough cough... cough..."

Feeling the "nightmare" broken, the pressure on Pior's soul suddenly eased.

However, the discomfort from the body quickly surged up, causing Pior to start coughing violently.

"This is just a very light punishment."

"Shura" made an indifferent voice:

"Pior, I don't want to see it happen again."

"Yes... yes..." Pior replied intermittently.

Feeling that his condition had recovered a little, Pior looked at both sides of the church tremblingly, and then consciously retreated to the side of the "Hunting Blade" undertaker.

...

Everyone saw Pior being punished.

This is the punishment! The punishment for violating the will of "Shura"!

After this episode, the other "shadows" became more and more awed by their "lord" Shura in their hearts.

The "shadows" began to weigh from the bottom of their hearts, and they seemed to have to lower their posture...

No one wanted to suffer the punishment of nightmares. And the "crazy piety" imprinted deep in their minds also made them consciously adjust the behavior and actions of "Shura" to what they thought was the most reasonable side.

"Madness and Piety" constantly reminds the shadows that it is their common "Lord", and it is also the person they should "obey" and "respect" from the depths of their souls...

- Do not disobey! Do not betray!

- Do not defy the will of the "Lord"!

This is the whisper that naturally emerges from the minds of the "shadows" and comes from their intuition.

...

"Then, my 'shadows'."

"Shura's" voice became gentler, and he raised his voice slightly, saying:

"As the original apostles of the 'Holy Abyss', you all carry my considerable expectations for you."

"I will guide you to escape from the wrong path; and guide you to see the truly great power..."

"--So."

"I hope you will prove your worth to me."

Luo Xiu paused, and then slowly said:

"And now, I will give you a chance to prove your worth."

"--Blood of Thorns!"

...

When Luo Xiu said "Blood of Thorns", Intis behind him suddenly flashed a layer of light in his eyes.

Is the Lord finally...finally going to start dealing with them? Intis thought, and her eyes looked at Luo Xiu's back at the same time.

Luo Xiu's fingers were gently tapping the cold stone seat armrests at this time.

"That's my enemy, the enemy of 'Holy Abyss', and your enemy."

"So, I order you..."

Luo Xiu said in a deep but very clear voice:

"--Go and flatten all the bases of 'Blood of Thorns' in Triumph Square, and leave 'traces' of your original organization in their bases."

"I will go with you."

"I will testify that you are qualified to 'serve Holy Abyss'."

"--And..."

"I will testify that you are worthy of my use."

"..."