The next day, Lin Ming arrived before Gandulf’s room to pay his daily respects—he couldn’t forget his manners. “Master!”
Gandulf walked out of his room. “Let us depart.”
The two of them immediately soared into the air and flew towards the center. It was a long trip, as layers and layers of other cities surrounded the capital. And when Gandulf flew over the first city, no Giants stopped him—they had already learned his purpose of passing through.
After moments, the two of them finally arrived at the central city. The closer they were to their destination, the hotter Lin Ming got. The sky here was even more clouded.
“We’re here,” Gandulf announced as they landed.
“Sir Gandulf!” Two Giants came forward to welcome them. It was astonishing that they could shrink to human size. One of the Giants noticed Lin Ming. “Now, who might this be?”
“This is my disciple. He is here for his training.”
“Sir, it’s too dangerous in there. Only those above Tier 9 could participate in the war,” one Giant reminded. There were countless Tier 10 Underworld creatures in the battle. He couldn’t help but warn Lin Ming for being a Tier 7 Mage. It was for Lin Ming’s sake—it was too risky for him.
“It would not hurt him.” Gandulf waved his hand. He had total trust in Lin Ming’s ability—Tier 10 creatures were no match for his disciple.
The Giants decided to go through with it since it was their first time seeing Gandulf bringing a disciple with him—Gandulf had been alone for years. “Very well, sir. Please come with us.”
Gandulf nodded and followed behind. The Giants led them closer to the core. Not long after, they arrived in the middle of the battlefield. Seemingly familiar with the place, Gandulf paced towards a palace.
When Ling Ming saw the densely packed creatures in the core, goosebumps crawled up his skin. Warriors of various races had joined the battle, and those from their side were higher in level. While that was the case, all creatures from the Underworld—regardless of Tier—swarmed out as they joined the battle.
At first glance, it would seem like a lopsided battle. Yet, upon a closer look, it was just as Gandulf had said—in the same Tier, the Underworld would always surpass their world.
Gandulf turned to Lin Ming. “You shall strike tomorrow, or you will break the rules.” He had sensed Lin Ming’s eagerness, and he stopped Lin Ming from acting out. It wasn’t Gandulf’s turn yet to guard the core. With Lin Ming’s lethality, he could wait for another night.
“Okay.” Lin Ming then noticed something from the battlefield—he raised his query, “Master, why do I see humanlike Underworld creatures?”
Gandulf pondered for seconds. “Not only are they alike, but they are also humans. Their body structure and their minds are the same as us.”
“They are?” Lin Ming’s brows furrowed. “If they are allowed to enter our world, they would enslave our people—the best-case scenario.”
Gandulf proceeded coldly, “They have powerful bloodlust. I am afraid if that is the case, we would only become their food. They are the intruders. No matter their race, all intruders shall die!”
Lin Ming nodded.
“Did you see the war?”
“I saw it.”
“Due to the harsh environment of the Underworld, their cultivation is even harder, and their bodies are more powerful. They kill their kind as well, which is why every of their creature has strong fighting skills. You have to be careful tomorrow,” Gandulf reminded. Lin Ming was his only disciple—though he trusted his abilities—and he didn’t want Lin Ming to suffer any injuries.
“Yes, Master. I understand.”
Gandulf met Lin Ming’s eyes. “A Tier 10 expert from the Underworld requires 5 of the same Tier from our world to have matching qualities. Do you comprehend this?”
Lin Ming was able to crush those of the same Tier and even bypass level restrictions. But the Underworld creatures, too, could do the same. Gandulf was trying to remind him not to underestimate his enemies, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
“Very well. You shall rest for the day. Prepare yourself for what is coming tomorrow. I cannot help you out there. If you lose, you will die,” said Gandulf.
“Got it.”
After Gandulf had left, Lin Ming entered the Stupa. He compressed the two magic power elements in his body once again. In the second half of the night, he entered into a meditative state in the Lightning Pool.
Then it came the dawn. The battle had gone on for the night—there was no pausing as warriors from both sides fought for glory. From this second on, Lin Ming would join as a warrior.
There was a limited timeframe a warrior could participate in the war each day to preserve their best condition, lowering the risks of dying. All warriors, no matter their levels or combat strength, were precious assets. Their most important job was to fight, protecting their world. As many sacrificed every day on the cruel battlefield, the world would grief for their loss.
Perhaps a pair of brothers sent into the battlefield would never return, becoming the next meal of the Underworld creatures.