"The aura of Yin Skeleton has vanished," the Red Cardinal said with a grim expression.
Beneath the Skull Throne sat seven powerful Skeleton Elders. Yin Skeleton was one of them, wielding the power of shadows. The Red Cardinal had sensed Yin Skeleton's presence upon arriving in Wenlan City, but both sides had been restraining themselves, refraining from combat. Wenlan City was territory of the Angelic Holy Assembly, and as long as Yin Skeleton did not act rashly, the Red Cardinal did not want to engage in a fight, as the destruction of Wenlan City would be a great loss. Yet, in this very moment, Yin Skeleton's aura had disappeared.
"Gone?" the White Cardinal surmised, his expression fluctuating.
The Red Cardinal frowned, a sense of unease creeping in. Among the seven Protectors, Yin Skeleton was the weakest, but his shadow power was exceptionally troublesome, making even the Red Cardinal reluctant to provoke him easily.
"What in the world happened?" The Red Cardinal harbored a bad premonition, his brows furrowed into a deep '川' shape.
Before his thoughts could fully form, his pupils suddenly contracted.
"Clang."
The White Cardinal drew his weapon.
"Hold," the Red Cardinal commanded, placing a hand on his subordinate's weapon and gazing out the window at the sky.
There, standing in the air, was a figure. Its appearance was indistinct, shrouded as if by mist. The figure simply stood there, gazing from afar at the Red Cardinal.
"I'll go have a look," the Red Cardinal grunted and flew out. Fortunately, he sensed no hostility.
As the Red Cardinal approached, Chen Fan spoke first, "Leave. From this day forward, anyone who has stepped into the Divine level is forbidden from entering Wenlan City!" His words were like a royal decree.
The Red Cardinal did not act rashly, stating solemnly, "Who might you be?"
"You do not need to know," Chen Fan replied calmly. "Those below the Divine level may enter Wenlan City freely. Leave, if you do not wish to die."
"..."
Rage flared within the Red Cardinal. He desperately wanted to strike, but he lacked the courage. This was Angelic Holy Assembly territory, yet he was being told he couldn't stay. What kind of logic was this? Yet, he dared not retort.
After a moment's thought, the Red Cardinal asked gravely, "Yin Skeleton..."
"I have already sent him on his way," Chen Fan stated indifferently. "You have one minute."
The Red Cardinal: "..." This was essentially an ultimatum.
Chen Fan did not press, quietly awaiting the other's decision. Finally, with less than ten seconds remaining.
"Whoosh."
The Red Cardinal left without further hesitation, departing swiftly. However, a voice reached the White Cardinal's ears: "I have matters to attend to and will be away temporarily. Wenlan City will be under your command for now."
"Cardinal, you..." the White Cardinal exclaimed in alarm. But the voice had ceased, and the figure had vanished without a trace.
Chen Fan glanced at the White Cardinal and paid him no further mind. If Divine-level combatants clashed within the city, Wenlan City itself would be annihilated. Before obtaining the divine artifact from the Holy Emperor, Chen Fan needed to ensure the safety of the Wen Mo Si family. Of course, this was also a test for him; what if the Holy Emperor himself came? While the probability was slim, it was not zero.
...
On this day, a total of seven individuals were expelled from Wenlan City. Besides the Red Cardinal and Yin Skeleton, there were five other powerful individuals within the city. Of course, these five had not reached the Divine level, but they possessed Divine-level combat strength. Anyone with Divine-level combat strength was required to leave.
"So many powerful individuals," Chen Fan remarked with a sigh. To think that a single city housed so many formidable beings. The entire Dameria Continent was unimaginable.
That night, a figure stood above Wenlan City. A booming voice echoed in all directions.
"From this day forth, any individual with Divine-level combat strength who enters Wenlan City shall perish."
This single statement, like a death warrant, reverberated across the land.
"Arrogant."
"Seeking death..."
"..."
Chen Fan's words spread throughout the Dameria Continent, igniting the fury of all the strong individuals on the continent.
The next day.
Three individuals possessing Divine-level combat strength entered Wenlan City. Countless eyes turned towards Wenlan City. The anticipated battle did not erupt; only three lifeless bodies lay quietly outside the city. The deaths of the three Divine-level powerhouses caused not a ripple. Death had come so simply.
...
While marveling at the power of the mysterious expert, more people began to converge on Wenlan City. On this continent, apart from the Angelic Holy Assembly and the Church of Darkness, no one dared to be so audacious. The deaths occurred silently.
Finally, after half a month of silent fatalities, the war against the mysterious expert came to an end. However, the attention focused on Wenlan City only intensified.
"Is Wenlan City going to establish a third major power?" This was the speculation on everyone's minds.
Yet, as two groups of individuals entered Wenlan City, all held their breath. An invisible storm seemed to envelop the entire city. The Church of Darkness and the Angelic Holy Assembly had sent their strong contenders into the city. Three Red Cardinals walked directly into Wenlan City. On the side of the Church of Darkness, three Black Cardinals also entered the city. The two most powerful forces on the Dameria Continent had finally made their move.
...