Chapter 4443: Nether Totem
Chapter 4443: Nether Totem
Schleya was once a part of the wicked path. Rokushi Mirai could also be said to be from a similar background. They knew what the likes of totems meant. In essence, it meant a cursed object made from flesh or bone, containing the karma from the remains. It could be used to obtain power through vile methods, so it was generally considered a wicked path method.
In that regard, it was also similar to how a body cultivator uses inscriptions on their own body to strengthen itself. Ultimately, totems were considered external power. Although the power they gave was large, it was limited and would be spent within a few bouts, so it wasn’t largely used other than to guard some sacred or unholy areas and for other blood sacrificial rituals.
Bodily inscriptions were used much more, so these kinds of totems were put on the back burner. At the very least, even wicked people wouldn’t choose it as their first option.
While the others were immersed in the situation, Schleya and Rokushi Mirai were looking for a weakness to exploit in case things turned awry.
They guessed that destroying that totem would allow them to disperse the incredible amount of prowess that was on the elder cobra and win the battle if there was ever one.
However, if battle broke out right now, they were aware that they were screwed.
They keenly kept an eye on the surroundings as the others talked.
"Grandfather, how is a Nether Springs Death Wolf here...?"
The King-Tier Beast of the Nether Orb Cobra Clan looked at the elder cobra, sending a soul transmission, "Wouldn’t they never come out? What’s one doing here- and that too with other magical beasts and humans?"
"They say they come from the living realm where the nether haze doesn’t exist."
"Ah! The True Immortal World? All of them?"
The King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra was shocked. He turned to look at Azbel, scanning him over again. After all, they did leave progenies outside all the time in order to preserve the clan’s bloodline if they failed to survive in this deadly place, but for one to return from the True Immortal World and even become a King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra at that, it was truly remarkable and nearly unheard of.
"What’s your true purpose?"
His eyes narrowed, and his pupils dilated, his King-Tier aura rising to suppress Azbel.
Surely, they wouldn’t come here all the way just to look at one father, right? He felt like the Nether Springs Death Wolf surely wouldn’t.
"What do you mean? My name is Azbel, and my father is from here as far as I can tell from my inherited memories. I have come to see him!"
Azbel waved his hand, becoming impatient.
He felt like something might have happened to his father.
"Not you. Everyone else."
The King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra’s gaze fell on Nadia.
"Oh-"
"I have also come to seek my origin. I would be grateful if someone pointed out where the Nether Springs Death Wolf Clan is located in this world."
Azbel was about to reply when Nadia’s voice resounded.
"You’re here to seek your clan likewise?"
The King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra frowned with his huge serpent head. He appeared suspicious. Regardless, he didn’t pursue further and answered.
"I do not know where the Nether Springs Death Wolf Clan is located. However, I do know that they’re somewhere near the core region of the Dark Sky Domain. We’re at the edge of the inner region and the outer region, so you will have to head deeper."
After saying a few words, he turned around and left.
Nadia watched him leave before she gazed at the elder cobra.
"Senior, are you of the same opinion?"
"Respect is unneeded. My Nether Orb Cobra Clan has been protected by the Nether Spring Death Wolves many times since they are one among the few who guard this region from the true threat of the Nether Devils. I wish you the best, and yes, Daiga is correct. The Nether Springs Death Wolf Clan is located somewhere inside the core region. Outsiders aren’t welcome, but hopefully, you will be accepted by your kin."
Nadia blinked.
She was not seeking acceptance from anyone. All she wanted to know was the truth of the karmic suppression of the death-attributed wolves and, learn how to fight against it, and then wish safety upon other death wolves as long as they weren’t evil.
She was seeking answers, not a family, because she already had one and had no thoughts of leaving.
"Many thanks for your advice, senior."
Nadia cupped her hands and bowed.
"..."
The Nether Orb Cobra’s brows twitched happily, having never received such respect from a high and mighty Nether Springs Death Wolf.
He could also see this Nether Springs Death Wolf was completely different from her behavior, which was more like humans instead of a terrifying death wolf.
Azbel gestured, and they all followed him deeper into the cave in another direction.
"Woah, Fairy Nadia, you’re respected more than me, which was expected, but damn, I should’ve become an Emperor-Tier Nether Orb Cobra before leaving. I was only a bit away from stacking the required contribution points... a pity..."
"A bit?" Illumina raised her brows.
"Okay, I was like forty percent away..." Azbel chuckled, appearing embarrassed.
Vereina raised her brows, "But did you hear that- the elder cobra said the Nether Springs Death Wolf guards this region from the true threat of the Nether Devils. How could they be that powerful considering that they’re not even Grand Saint Magical Beasts?"
"Probably using the same totem." Schleya uttered, her gaze serene.
The others had confused or solemn expressions.
It seemed the Nether Springs Death Wolf Clan had more to it than meets the eye. Still, Azbel was intent on finding his father first, and the others agreed.
They need to pass this region to head to the core region of this so-called Dark Sky Domain anyway.
They visited the second village, which also seemed to be ruled by a King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra.
Azbel noticed that this King-Tier Nether Orb Cobra was much older and weaker despite being a Level Nine Empyrean Beast. However, the divine light of the totem was on him as he introduced them to how the totem works.
"You are a suitable candidate to inherit my land."
The old King-Tier Cobra nodded, "Look, the Divine Nether Totem allows us to protect ourselves from the terrifying Nether Devils and other wicked creatures who seek to harm us."
"It is made from the bone of each of our fallen brethren who have reached the peak of the Empyrean Beast Stage. At the same time, it gathers the faith of our race, and through the nether energy collected from the atmosphere, all nether creatures of the same race are capable of receiving incredible power from the Divine Nether Totem, but it is generally great for only one being to wield it so that we can fight against the Nether Devils who are at the Exalt Stage."
"It drastically increases my power to what the humans would call the Exalt Beast Stage, and since I’m a King-Tier Beast, I could utilize it much more efficiently, becoming as powerful as a Mid Stage Exalt Beast, but the drain on my lifespan is also high, so you wouldn’t usually see this light on us."
The old King-Tier Cobra sighed and dispersed the divine light of the Nether Orb Cobra race. Then another elder cobra took over, keeping the power of the totem on him, perhaps to react to emergencies like how the old cobra whom they first met reacted to them.
Nadia and the others were shaken.
So this is how the Nether Divine Totem works... made from the bones of fallen brethren. It was as they guessed- the nether energy in this world changed how the totems worked.
It was further named Divine, hinting that it wasn’t common.
Nadia could only imagine what kind of Divine Nether Totem the Nether Springs Death Wolf Clan possesses, considering the fallen brethren they had were plenty after being ruthlessly suppressed by the heavens.
Azbel nodded, taking in the information. As he was thinking, a Nether Orb Cobra finally slithered by their side and bowed.
"King Savur, did you call me?"
King Savur turned to look at that Nether Orb Cobra, a faint, proud smile appearing on his lips.
"Looks like my great-grandchild returned."
That Nether Orb Cobra looked confused before he glanced at Azbel, the emotions in his eyes going from wide confusion to wide disbelief.
He didn’t recognize his son’s aura at all, considering his son should just be a lowly Phantom Gaze Cobra!
"You... are you my son...?"
Azbel was frozen. He could sense his father’s aura as though it was extremely familiar. His father had intended to pass down these memories to him, so he remembered well.
"I am indeed your son, father."
Azbel’s gaze instantly turned cold, "Why did you abandon me? Why did you abandon mother? Why did you not take us back here?"
"..."
Azbel’s father shuddered greatly.
"Mother is dead. Killed by greedy humans!"
Azbel growled, taking a step forward as his face turned wrathful.
Azbel’s father slithered back in fright or horror, unknown if he was affected by the King-Tier aura or the news of the death of his mate. His head then dropped as though he was regretful, causing Azbel to clench his fists, emotions that he had long sealed welling back in his eyes as tears.