Defying the Fate of Beheading-Chapter 248 - 174: Let’s See If the Bell Rings or My Shout Is Louder
According to the Black Swan, because Emperor Lao Deng anchored the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm, the Black Sun's influence on Lao Deng is almost negligible.
But if the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm were to drift from its anchor and flow towards other regions, whether Lao Deng could still control the Black Sun would be uncertain.
If the Black Sun loses control, Emperor Lao Deng would likely suffer a severe blow.
This situation is quite likely to occur.
Especially when Louis realized the future his original self was in, Lao Deng at least half believed, he started to suspect that Lao Deng had problems related to the Black Sun.
After all, while walking in the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm, he could feel the overwhelming and cold power of the Black Sun.
If the Tiger Taming Technique is merely a ritualistic magic simulating a beauty taming a strong entity.
Then the Black Sun is the ultimate magic constantly releasing deadly power.
It represents the emperor's cold and heartless side.
After all, as an emperor, expecting him to be as kind and gentle as ordinary people is a bit unfair.
The emperor's tenderness means mercilessly beating other races besides humans and exchanging their blood for human benevolence.
Based on his understanding of Emperor Lao Deng, he truly believes Lao Deng could do such things.
So, upon hearing that the Shadow Realm had issues, Louis instantly became alert.
"Don't make trouble, let the Black Sun split Lao Deng apart, then it will be a real problem."
The Mage told Louis:
"The Shadow Tiger is not a magical creature fond of group actions, and individually, they are not too weak."
"As they age, fewer magical creatures can deal with them."
"But there's an overwhelming number of Shadow Tigers coming out here, which doesn't align with their usual behavior."
"It seems their living area is suffering from some irresistible disaster, forcing the solitary Shadow Tigers to band together."
The Mage looked a bit frustrated:
"If it were just them, it would be fine, but the fear is that the disaster's range is much larger."
"You should know that the Shadow Realm is a hub for interdimensional travel, right?"
Louis nodded:
"Traveling Mages use the Shadow Realm or Ether plane to roam through other dimensions."
The Mage waved his hand, summoning a large sea of fire ahead, turning those Astral Mayflies to ashes, and said with frustration:
"Here lies the problem, unlike the outer layers, Shadow and Ether magical creatures can enter the Star Continent."
"Although most times, they abhor entering the Star Continent as they find it hard to adapt."
"But if they're facing a life-and-death crisis, it's anyone's guess."
Louis immediately understood his meaning.
The Shadow Realm's survival environment vastly differs from the primary material world.
When Louis went to the Fallen Shadow Nether Realm, he also felt that the environment was too oppressive and very uncomfortable.
But to the native residents of the Shadow Realm, living there is like being home.
Yet if there are unwanted guests at home, they would have to endure the harsh conditions for a while, albeit reluctantly.
After all, survival comes first.
The Mage was worried that if the disaster area in the Shadow Realm was too large, they would have to be prepared.
—Prepared to face the invading shadow creatures on the Star Continent.
Louis felt like shedding tears for this world upon hearing this.
What situation is the Star Continent in, that everyone wants a piece of it?
Initially, he thought the Ense Empire dealing with the Gate of the Abyss under their seats while maintaining enough military strength and having small-scale battles with various races was tough enough.
But now it seems, the toughest part is the Star Continent itself.
He previously joked, "The Star Continent has its own charm."
But now, it's like you mock the Star Continent for being foolish, and it mocks you for not understanding it.
It's so damn frustrating.
Taking notes, there's a batch of regular adventurers who frequent the Shadow Realm right in Tino City.
Former Hero Squad members, top-notch Wanderers below legendary rank, Old Heisen Bansha.
When the time comes, ask them; they should know what's going on.
"Kids, step back a bit."
Fox's hoarse voice rang in everyone's ears.
Louis and the others stepped back a few paces without hesitation, withdrawing from the frontline battlefield.
In the next moment, the Emerald Fire transformed into a raging sea of flames.
A wave of heat rose from the sky, driving a myriad of interdimensional creatures out of the world.
"Time is almost up."
His voice grew increasingly weak.
Amidst flickering streams of light, Louis discovered a chaotic battlefield vaguely exposed at the other end of the crack.
Countless beautiful creatures hovered in the sky, fighting against another group of twisted beings.
A clear voice came from across space:
"Fox, I've stabilized the space on my side for you."
Fox nodded:
"Thank you for the trouble."
"It's no trouble. If you hadn't gathered enough reinforcements, I wouldn't have been able to help, so this is your own hard-earned result."
As the words fell, that space began healing rapidly.
Fox turned his gaze to Louis:
"Newcomer, aren't you after the Jade Phoenix Mage's legacy? Come over here."
Louis looked at that twisted space, somewhat shamelessly saying:
"Can I just throw the legacy necklace over and not go there?"
Fox was nearly choked by his words:
"You brat, get over here; I can't move."
Only then did Louis notice Fox's hair had somehow turned white.
At this moment, a sigh from Blade Tutor Merlin, who had been hidden, sounded:
"Louis, don't worry, he won't harm you."
Seeing Merlin say this, Louis eased his mind a little.
Not everyone would be plotting against him, right?
Although he still felt a bit uneasy, Louis went forward.
He stepped in front of Fox and obediently took out the legacy necklace given by his mother-in-law.
"Mr. Fox, please."
Fox nodded and said:
"Tom (Grand Chancellor) already told me about you; it's been many years since anyone dared inherit someone else's Emerald Fire."
Louis said in confusion:
"Why? Wouldn't inheriting the Emerald Fire make one much stronger?"
Fox laughed meaningfully:
"Because most people aren't ready, ready to face the harshness behind the Jade Phoenix Mage."
Louis said, "Harshness?"
"Yes, the Jade Phoenix Mage's power originates from our vows to the world, something you know, right?"
Louis nodded.
Fox chuckled, "Give me your hand."
Louis: ???
"Hurry up, give me your hand."
Louis extended his hand.
A pair of withered hands gently placed themselves on Louis:
"The Emerald Fire represents the essence of a Jade Phoenix Mage, and also the vows they made to the world."
"Inheriting someone else's Emerald Fire means, to some extent, continuing our vows."
"To inherit this power, you must complete what we left unfinished and embrace our ideals."
He smiled and said:
"Some regrets are too heavy, and some ideals they can't accept right now, so most have given up inheriting their predecessors' powers."
Fox tossed the legacy necklace into Louis's hands:
"I've placed my legacy inside; I hope you pass it on to someone you find suitable next."
Louis couldn't help but recall that night when he was in the bedroom with the Black Swan, what she told him. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
"Absorbing the previous person's Emerald Fire can significantly speed up your advancement, but it comes at a cost."
He said:
"The cost?"
"You'll understand when you meet Fox."
The Black Swan showed a trace of sadness on her face:
"Every Jade Phoenix Mage, in their final moment, will ask their successor whether to inherit their flame."
"The majority refuse, considering it an unbearable weight."
"Ironically, although they choose to refuse, they end up on the same path as their predecessors."
"Sometimes, I wonder, if they will eventually walk this path, why not inherit the power from the start?"
"At least...it lets you move faster, doesn't it?"
He never understood what that meant.
But after meeting Fox, he felt that what the Black Swan didn't explicitly say might have an answer with Fox.
