The sudden turn of events left Grace, Rhydian, and the others exchanging bewildered glances. They couldn’t tell if the invitation was a blessing or a curse.
After taking a moment to circulate his internal energy, some color returned to Dustin’s pale face. He stared intently at the rainbow bridge, its enticing glow hiding something unknown.
His eyes were sharp, measuring every detail. He could sense that Malthor and the others were waiting for him at the far end, inside that lavish palace.
“It seems we can’t uncover the secrets of the Vitalis Pool without taking down the mastermind,” Dustin said, slowly rising to his feet.
Though his internal energy hadn’t fully recovered, his eyes had regained their sharp, resolute gleam. “Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
“I’m coming with you,” Grace said firmly, her eyes filled with resolve. He glanced at her and saw the worry and unyielding resolve in her eyes. Finally, he nodded. “Stay close behind me.”
She followed him across the Immortal Reception Bridge, formed from streams of seven-colored light.
As soon as they stepped onto it, the world around them twisted and blurred, as if they were crossing an endless expanse. When the distortion faded, they were standing in a place completely unlike the one they’d left behind.
Beneath their feet lay flawless white stone flooring. The palace surrounding them featured intricately carved beams and painted rafters that shimmered with gold and jade brilliance. Luminous pearls and coral trees adorned the space, casting a soft yet opulent glow.
The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of indulgence and a heavy concentration of spiritual energy that almost felt liquid. But the most striking sight was the hedonistic feast at the heart of the hall, where men and women indulged without restraint.
At the very top, Malthor lounged lazily on a white recliner. On either side of him were Lysander, Talmor, and Valindra. All four pairs of eyes snapped toward Dustin and Grace the instant they stepped into the hall.
“Welcome to Elysium Immortal Palace,” Malthor said.
His voice remained calm, though the absolute coldness it had carried before had softened slightly and was replaced by something difficult to define. His gaze lingered mainly on Dustin, as if Grace were little more than an irrelevant accessory
Talmor gave Dustin a once-over and let out a low whistle in amazement. “You’ve already grasped the laws of the stars in a mere mortal body… Kid, your talent is truly astonishing.”
A playful, alluring glint danced in Valindra’s eyes. Her voice was soft, teasing, and impossible to ignore. “You’re handsome and so talented… You’re making my heart… flutter with anticipation.” 2
Lysander chuckled softly and plucked a teasing note from his lap harp.
The palace and its four figures seemed like a vision of immortal grace. Wine glasses clinked, and ethereal music floated through the hall.
However, Dustin’s divine sense was extraordinarily keen. He could perceive that beneath the dense spiritual energy lurked a darker, purer, and twisted power, linked to the dragon blood malevolent energy
Those people, though radiant with apparent immortality, radiated something darker, more monstrous.
The so-called orgies of pleasure didn’t contain pure vitality at all. Instead, it held refined and corrupted life essence extracted from living beings.
Those men and women indulging in pleasure had vacant eyes and weak energy waves. They didn’t look like immortals, but more like livestock, penned and bred to be drained of their life essence
So, this place wasn’t an immortal palace at all. Instead, it was a nest of monsters, masquerading as a home of the immortals.
“Immortal Palace?” Dustin scoffed, his lips curving into a faint, icy smile as his gaze swept over Malthor and the others.
His eyes were sharp, unflinching, and full of scrutiny as he added, “In my opinion, this place is a breeding ground for evil where demons steal dragon power and cling to existence.”
At these words, the decadent music abruptly halted.
The men and women who had lost themselves in indulgence were frightened into silence. Lysander’s hand stopped playing his lap harp, the smile on Talmor’s face froze, and Valindra’s eyes flashed with sharp intent.
Malthor’s expression remained unchanged. Instead, there was a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
“Excellent discernment. The distinction between immortal and demon is but a thin line. Power itself is neither righteous nor evil. What matters is who controls it.”
He straightened in his seat, eyes locked on Dustin. His tone was irresistibly persuasive, leaving no room for refusal.
“Your potential shouldn’t be wasted among mortals. Join us, and unlock the secrets of Elysium’s immortality. The spiritual energy here is inexhaustible, and you could even commune with the primordial power of the dragon itself. Eternal life and roaming the world freely are no longer a fantasy.”
Malthor raised his hand, and a pill the size of a large marble appeared in his palm, radiating rich vitality and a golden-red glow. It was the Dragonblood Renewal Pill.
“This pill can instantly heal your wounds and even boost your cultivation to the next level”
He then gestured toward the obscene feast and added, “Here lies endless pleasure-wine, beautiful companions, and anything you desire.”
Finally, there was a hidden weight to his words.
“Once you nod and sign the pact, you will spend your immortal life guarding Elysium Isle. You will aid us in unlocking and controlling the power of the Void-Tyrant Dragon, and all of it will be yours. We can even help to heal that young woman’s father and extend his life with the true essence of the Vitalis Pool.”
The offers were extremely tempting-immortality, power, pleasure, and even hope for healing Grace’s father seemed within reach.
She nervously looked at Dustin, her hands clenching unconsciously.
His gaze landed on the pill in Malthor’s hand that contained tremendous power yet also concealed endless danger, before sweeping over the gilded, decadent hall.
Finally, his gaze returned to Malthor’s seemingly calm eyes, which actually harbored boundless ambition. Dustin slowly shook his head. His tone was clear and resolute, echoing through the silent great hall.
“Our paths are different. There’s no point in working together. My path is to follow my heart, to live freely, and to protect those who matter.
“I won’t ally with demons like you, stealing destructive power and clinging to this shameful parasitic existence while calling this demonic lair an immortal palace.
“What you’re doing isn’t the work of immortals. It’s the work of demons. Keep your pact and your twisted version of eternity.”
As his words fell, the palace seemed to pulse with lethal intent.
