Chapter 5868

“The Blood-Forging Soul Array!” an elderly scholar shrieked. “An ancient demonic formation-back away now!” Panic slashed through every face.

The group scattered toward the tunnel. Jared retreated with them, cold clarity settling in his chest. So it is a snare- someone doesn’t merely want us dead. They want our very spirits refined into fuel.

Shadows peeled from the cavern walls, resolving into more than a dozen figures clad in black combat gear. Each wore a snarling demon mask, their aura sharp as winter steel.

The three at the front radiated power equal to Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Seven; the rest hovered only a tier or two lower. Together they formed a silent, murderous barricade between the survivors and any hope of escape.

They closed in from every direction, barricading every alleyway, rooftop, and break in the rubble until flight itself felt impossible, as though an iron net had dropped over the plaza.

“Malevolent Path Hall!” Conrad growled, the scar along his jaw whitening as his teeth clenched so hard the sound cracked like ice.

Dustin, now safely among the black-robed intruders, bowed to the foremost figure and reported with practiced servility, “Lord Ghostshade, the target has been delivered.”