Published: February 7, 2025
The dark corridor formed a stark contrast to the grandeur of what lay outside, making Ye Zhongming feel slightly uncomfortable.
The All-Purpose Sacred Pool was located deep within the Royal City, nestled in a dark corner near the mountain.
When Ye Zhongming had come here previously, he discovered that there were no oil lamps overhead; it was pitch black all around. Only upon coming closer could he see a giant stone statue carved into the mountain, standing as tall as the mountain’s belly.
King Niao, who accompanied Ye Zhongming, told him that it was the servant of the almighty god, but Ye Zhongming thought this creature looked more like a monster.
Entering through the 'mouth' of this monster led them into the dark corridor, which was so narrow that only two people could walk side by side. Ye Zhongming couldn't understand how the outside could be so magnificent while the inside resembled an ant's nest.
However, he soon realized he was wrong. After passing through this long corridor, they entered another vast mountain cavity. While it wasn't as expansive as the Royal City outside, Ye Zhongming estimated that this place was at least as large as a city block on Earth.
In this mountain cavity, sculptures were abundant, each one lifelike, standing at least ten meters tall and striking various poses while holding different weapons.
"These are all the kings who have reached level nine in the history of the posthumous children. Only they have the qualification to have statues erected in the sacred land," King Niao explained.
A group of posthumous children, along with a Guardian of the Sacred Pool, respectfully bowed before these sculptures. Ye Zhongming followed suit. Whether on Earth or in the Blue Secret Realm, those who reached level nine were figures deserving of respect.
The history of the posthumous children was very long, with hundreds of sculptures here that recorded their past glory. Unfortunately, that glory was no longer present, and there wasn’t a single level nine powerhouse among the posthumous children now.
As the group walked among the towering sculptures, they soon came upon an altar, connected to the ground by hundreds of steps. Above it was a large square pool, which must be the All-Purpose Sacred Pool.
"You must bow every ten steps while ascending these stairs, follow my lead," the Guardian of the Sacred Pool said solemnly to Ye Zhongming and the others.
With that, he took the lead.
Ye Zhongming mimicked his actions, followed closely by the guards who had come with him, five or six of whom were carrying Ye Zhongming's bags filled with magic crystals and materials.
He had procured materials above level eight from King Niao and crafted several silver pieces of equipment for him. This king instantly grew fond of the weapons that enhanced his strength, giving three items to three level eight kings in return for the right to enter this place.
After completing the etiquette, they finally arrived at the edge of the All-Purpose Sacred Pool, and Ye Zhongming saw the entire scene.
Compared to the other buildings of the posthumous children, this pool was noticeably intricately carved, surrounded by various exquisite sculptures, most of which Ye Zhongming did not recognize. Even the walls and bottom of the Sacred Pool bore beautiful reliefs depicting various characters, monsters, and plants, seemingly telling a story, perhaps recording history.
At the bottom of the pool, there were five depressions of varying sizes, likely where the holy water gushed forth.
"Change into the clean clothes and shoes you brought. Now you can enter to complete the ritual, but remember, you don't have much time. Hurry," the Guardian of the Sacred Pool instructed Ye Zhongming.
Ye Zhongming nodded at the Guardian, suppressing the excitement within him, and had the guards place the magic crystals at the edge of the Sacred Pool as he stepped down.
He tried to calm himself, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, he still could not control the fluctuations in his gaze. Fortunately, he had his back to everyone, so King Niao and the others did not see his abnormal reaction.