Dimensional Keeper: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 1305 More evil than Infernal Energy

"Probably," Lucien replied, nodding his head in agreement with Max. His eyes remained locked on the massive Celestial Beast Temple, his face reflecting deep thought. "I suspect the entity that imprisoned Mark belonged to the same organization as the Four Divine Beasts of the Divine Realm. It’s the only logical explanation. How else could he understand the Tower of Truth, the secrets of this hidden domain, and the temple's actual function? These aren't details a common Cultivation practitioner or even a potent outsider would find by accident."

Max hummed softly in approval before turning away from the structure to address the followers who had accompanied them. His gaze traveled over the assembled crowd, ranging from the young prodigies to the seasoned guards and Elders who had protected them through numerous perils. "Only a small, handpicked group will enter the temple," he declared with authority. "The rest of you must stay back and secure the perimeter."

This choice wasn't fueled by pride or a lack of trust. The Celestial Beast Temple was a notorious site where many had vanished forever. With the unknown lurking inside, entering with a massive crowd would only invite catastrophe.

A smaller team would be far simpler to lead, defend, and evacuate if things turned dire. Max recognized that being reckless would lead to unnecessary deaths, and he refused to gamble with their lives.

He then looked toward the seven squad leaders who had stood by him through endless combat, their strength forged in the heat of battle.

"The seven squad leaders, prepare yourselves," Max commanded evenly. "You are coming inside with me." There was no doubt in his tone, only confidence. These individuals had already displayed their grit and flexibility in the most brutal environments.

Next, Max turned his focus toward the four rulers of the Four God Nation. "Since the Four Divine Beasts themselves constructed this temple," he explained, "I doubt we can proceed without the presence of their bloodline heirs. You four leaders must join us."

Aden stepped forward, nodding instantly. "We will go," he said with resolve. "This duty belongs to us as much as it does to you. We cannot face the legacy of the Four Divine Beasts without those who carry their bloodlines."

With the decision finalized, the chosen few gathered before the ancient gates while the others prepared to defend the exterior. The atmosphere grew heavy as the moment of entry arrived; everyone understood that once they crossed into the Celestial Beast Temple, there was no turning back.

"I'll stay here and supervise the group," Freya said softly as she looked at Max. Though her face was composed, her eyes betrayed a hint of worry. She knew better than anyone that once they entered the temple, she would be unable to help if trouble arose.

Max gave a quick nod. "In that case, Lucien will accompany me."

"I'm ready," Lucien stated simply, his attention already fixed on the massive doorway ahead.

Max nodded once more before addressing the seven squad leaders and the four rulers of the Four God Nation. His voice was firm and commanding. "Stay behind Lucien and me. Do not wander off, regardless of what you witness."

Following his own words, Max stepped forward and crossed the threshold of the Celestial Beast Temple with Lucien at his side. The others trailed closely behind, their forms slowly vanishing into the massive dark entrance.

To those left behind, the group appeared to walk deeper into the temple's corridor until their shadows merged with the darkness, leaving only the silent, motionless stone gate behind.

Inside, the tunnel proved much longer than anticipated. The walls shifted irregularly, narrowing and widening as if the temple were a breathing entity. An overwhelming pressure weighed on their senses as they moved forward, and the space seemed to swallow all sound, leaving them in eerie silence. After a long trek, they finally stepped out into a colossal inner hall.

"What on earth is this?" Daniel shouted as his eyes adjusted to the new surroundings.

Seraphina gasped, her breath hitching. "What happened to this place?"

Victor and the rest stood paralyzed, their faces filled with shock. From the outside, the Celestial Beast Temple appeared grand and holy—a sanctuary fit for the Four Divine Beasts. However, the interior told a different story.

Deep red vines crawled across the walls, the ceiling, and the massive stone columns supporting the roof. These vines pulsed with a faint light, twitching and squirming with a slow, rhythmic motion that felt disturbingly alive. They looked less like flora and more like the veins of a gargantuan beast.

These vines emitted waves of terrifying energy that saturated every corner of the hall. The air felt heavy and foul, thick with a scent of rot and corruption that made their skin prickle.

Unnatural shadows clung to the corners, and the crimson light from the pulsing vines transformed the hall into a hellish ruin instead of a divine temple. Whatever holiness this place once held had been warped into something hideous and frightening.

Despite the shock felt by the group, Max and Lucien were the most disturbed.

Lucien’s brow furrowed as he surveyed the area. "This infernal energy is incredibly dense," he whispered, his voice thick with confusion. "How did this happen?"

Max shook his head slowly, his face grim. "This isn't infernal energy," he corrected after a pause. "It mimics it, and it shares that same violent, crushing aura, but the nature is different. I can manipulate infernal energy; I understand its essence better than most. What we are feeling here is merely a surface-level imitation."

He tightened his grip as his eyes traced the crimson vines winding deep into the temple's heart. "This is something far more sinister. It is darker, more hateful, and significantly more powerful. Whatever has tainted this sanctuary isn't infernal energy, but something much more malevolent."

"More evil than infernal energy?" Lucien asked, looking at Max with skepticism.

"Just like the drop of True Origin Devil Blood that tainted Mark," Max said, his expression turning grave. "If my suspicions are correct, this entire temple has been corrupted by a drop of True Origin Devil Blood."