The news about the situation in the three theaters and Fengdu Land spread like wildfire, shocking various factions across the continent. They had anticipated that the Ruler of Gluttony would make a move sooner or later following the final burst of Imperium.

Speaking of that final burst, it also triggered several chaotic situations around the continent, rapidly enhancing the blooming of high-grade resources, such as legendary-grade fruits and herbs.

A battle for these resources erupted as various factions scrambled to secure their claims, aiming to monopolize these newfound treasures.

Lower-level experts found it increasingly difficult to navigate this shifting landscape. Staying alive had become a challenge, as even small syndicates began to mobilize in response to the Gluttony Army's activities, drawing the attention of powerful factions.

With the Holy Lands preoccupied with the Gluttony Army, small syndicates operated unrestrained, plundering cities, villages, and entire countries. In just a single week, the situation had spiraled into chaos.

The Holy Lands remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on the movements of the demons. They were determined to prevent the demons from exploiting the turmoil.

In the three theaters, Amanikable, Skadi, and the other God-ranks dispatched to confront the Lord of the Woods were holding the line, but the battle resulted in massive destruction across the land. Less than five percent of the warriors survived the initial impact.

Death was everywhere, accumulating relentlessly as if there was no tomorrow.

...

Great Sun City in the Aaru Holy Land.

This city was where Ra, the Great Sun God, resided.

Ra sat on his throne, wearing golden armor and a helmet resembling a falcon. In his hand, he held a scroll containing reports of various situations.

"Hmm... So that brat, the Ruler of Gluttony, has started to fight. He even unleashed the ancient monster lord.

"

Ra frowned as he read the contents of the scroll. The situation was much worse than he had imagined. He had expected Gluttony to act, but not the ancient monster lord.

"The worst case here is the Immortal Land.

"

The Immortal Land, in which the Heavenly Court resided, had special rules. Half of the land was governed by the Heavenly Court, while the other half was controlled by various sects.

Those guys wouldn't even turn their eyes outside and have never permitted any gods to step into the Immortal Land. If they were to force it, they would face fierce retaliation from both parties.

"We can't send reinforcements to Fengdu Land unless they permit it. Well, there's nothing to worry about since it's the Immortal Land we're talking about.

"

Ra continued to analyze the implications of the unfolding chaos. He leaned back in his throne, contemplating his options.

Ra summoned a celestial messenger, a being of light and speed, to relay his command to the other gods. As the messenger vanished, Ra's thoughts turned to the warriors fighting in the three theaters. Their bravery was commendable, but would it be enough against the overwhelming tide of Dark Young?

"In the meantime,

" he muttered to himself,

"I need to prepare the city for what's to come. The people must be kept safe, and the barriers reinforced.

"

He rose from his throne, determination radiating from him like sunlight piercing through the clouds. The Great Sun God was not about to let his realm get affected by war.

...

Valhalla, Asgard Holy Land.

Odin sat on his throne, reading a report. Two crows perched on his shoulders, observing the scroll in his hand.

After a while, Odin closed the scroll and set it aside. His mustache and beard trembled as he opened his mouth.

"The Immortal Land... We don't need to worry about it. They will deal with it themselves. Even if it is the Ruler of Gluttony, it's not easy to take down Fengdu Land. The four Divine Beasts are strong, so we only need to focus on the ancient monster lord.

"

Naturally, he was aware of the existence of Shub Niggurath, the Lord of the Woods. They couldn't let Shub Niggurath wreak havoc in the land, as it would cause too much damage. They had to stop that monster.

"We'll send more men to the three theaters to contain the damage that has been done. As for the Immortal Land, the Angel Faction will likely try to go there. Leave it to them.

"

The battle at Fengdu Land.

The battle at the three theaters.

Both situations involved God-rank powerhouses.

...

Somewhere in the Hall Plains.

Five people dressed in dark robes stood motionlessly in a strange place. Their minds were connected to a dangerous being as they established contact with it.

In a dark realm filled with various runes, a throne stood at the center, occupied by a man wrapped in countless chains. Dozens of energy blades were embedded in his body.

The man opened his eyes and coldly glanced at the five figures below him.

"I don't know how you managed to connect your minds to this place, but it's quite interesting, isn't it? So, pests from Gluttony, why have you come here?

"

His voice was filled with power.

That's right; the five people in dark robes were from the Army of Gluttony.

One of the five stepped forward and pulled down his hood, revealing his appearance. He had long white hair, red eyes, and snow-white skin.

"No God Emperor, born from the union of a human and a monster—a man who possessed great power. We have come here to make a deal with you,

" said the man with white hair.

The sealed being they were addressing was none other than the No God Emperor. They had sacrificed a high-grade artifact just to connect to this place; otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to communicate with him.

No God Emperor looked at them for a moment before saying,

"Hmm... Interesting, so the Deadly Sins are making a move. Although I'm sealed, I still felt the last outburst. Times are really changing, and it's getting more and more fun. Tell me, what's the deal?

"

The man with white hair replied,

"We will free you, but there's a condition.

"

"I refuse,

" No God Emperor said bluntly.

"What?!

" The man with white hair was taken aback. Even his four comrades behind him were shocked by No God Emperor's response.

"I said there's no need for you to unseal me.

" No God Emperor paused for a moment before continuing,

"I already know when I will come out, and there's nothing you can do to change it. But if you still decide to free me despite my warning, I will tell you this: the moment you unseal me from this place is the moment you will die. I will also try to stop the god you worship from whatever he's planning.

"

His voice was calm, but his words dripped with menace.

The man with white hair narrowed his eyes but didn't respond. He knew that No God Emperor would truly follow through on his threat.

Seeing their silence, No God Emperor laughed and said,

"You can go now. You might change my mind. I will be unsealed sooner than you think, and it will be fun.

"

The man with white hair turned around and motioned for his comrades to leave. The other four nodded, and they slowly disappeared from the place.

Before departing, the man with white hair looked back at No God Emperor and said,

"I hope you don't regret this decision. You're finally going to be free, yet you waste such an

opportunity.

"

"Ehe, don't worry about it. I have my own plan. You're quite daring to speak to me like that. If it were back then, I would have skinned you alive before I snapped your head off,

" No God Emperor chuckled.

...

Ekatoe City.

Yuko and the others who had been dispatched returned to Ekatoe City from the central region.

Their expedition had gone quite smoothly, as the Dragon Council took the initiative to

resolve the matter.

They planned to divide the legendary-grade loot among themselves.

It wasn't surprising, given that they were currently the strongest organization in the entire

Hall Plains.

Eilish, Eilan, Amanda, and Isabella had also returned, having improved significantly thanks to the facilities and various resources in the ancient ruins.

Alice sat in a chair, surveying her surroundings. After her return, she had taken over the city's affairs, giving Torkez some much-needed free time.

Alice turned her head and saw Eilish and Isabella walking over. She asked,

"Where's Amanda?

I thought she was with you.

"

"She visited Elder Guan's grave. She is still pushing herself,

" Eilish answered.

Elder Guan's death had been a significant blow to Amanda.

"I see...

" Alice nodded.

She recalled the first time she met Amanda. At that time, Amanda's mind had been filled with

hatred. She would do anything to find a clue about the Witch Clan.

"Um... I think I'll return to the lab now,

" Isabella said quietly, fidgeting with her hair.

Alice and Eilish had no objections, so Isabella quickly moved away and disappeared. She sequestered herself in her lab, working on various tasks related to her profession.

Boom!!

Suddenly, a massive surge of mana erupted.

Alice and Eilish couldn't help but turn their heads. They were very familiar with this energy.

"This?!

"

"Vashno's energy signature...

"

This energy was stronger than before, as it had reached a higher level. Vashno had ascended to

the realm of the Fifth Shackle.

"That guy finally reached a higher level... I thought I would be able to catch up,

" Eilish

smiled.

When they met for the first time, Vashno had been fighting the assassins who wanted to kill

Souta. He was the Hero of the Sub-world back then.

After a few moments, another surge of energy erupted.

Boom!!

"Eztein, that guy...

" Eilish muttered.

Eztein had broken through to the Fourth Shackle Realm, achieving the rank of SSS.

The overall power of the Astros had increased once again.