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

"It is likely," Lucien remarked, nodding toward Max. His eyes were glued to the massive Celestial Beast Temple as a look of deep contemplation crossed his face. "I suspect the entity responsible for sealing Mark belongs to the same faction as the Four Divine Beasts from the Divine Realm. There is no other logical explanation. How else could he be aware of the Tower of Truth, the existence of this hidden domain, and the actual function of this temple? These secrets are far beyond the reach of a common cultivator or even a wandering powerhouse."

Max let out a low hum of concurrence before turning away from the structure to address the followers who had accompanied them. His sharp gaze swept over the assembled crowd, including the talented young geniuses, the seasoned Elders, and the guards who had protected them through many perils. "Only a few chosen individuals will step inside the temple," he declared with authority. "The rest of you are to stay here and secure the perimeter."

This command did not stem from pride or lack of faith. The Celestial Beast Temple was a notorious site where many had vanished forever. With the unknown lurking within, entering with a massive crowd would only invite catastrophe.

A smaller, elite team would be easier to coordinate, shield, and retreat with if the situation turned dire. Max recognized that being reckless would lead to unnecessary deaths, and he was unwilling to risk the lives of everyone present on a whim.

He then looked toward the seven squad leaders who had followed his lead through countless skirmishes, their strength refined through hardship and combat.

"The seven squad leaders should prepare," Max commanded calmly. "You will be accompanying me into the temple." His voice carried no doubt, only absolute confidence. These warriors had already displayed their tenacity and skill in the most brutal environments.

Max then 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 must join us."

Aden stepped forward, nodding instantly. "We shall go," he stated firmly. "This burden belongs to us as much as it does to you. One cannot face the legacy of the Four Divine Beasts without those who carry their essence."

The plan was finalized. While the selected group stood ready before the ancient gateway, the others took up defensive positions outside. As the moment to enter arrived, the atmosphere grew heavy; everyone understood that crossing the threshold of the Celestial Beast Temple meant there was no turning back.

"I will remain here to supervise everyone," Freya spoke softly while looking at Max. Her face was composed, though a flicker of worry remained in her gaze. She knew better than anyone that once they entered the temple, she would be unable to help them if they encountered danger.

Max accepted her decision immediately. "In that case, Lucien will come with me."

"I am ready," Lucien said simply, his focus already locked on the massive entrance ahead.

After a brief nod, Max addressed the squad leaders and the four rulers of the Four God Nation. His tone was firm and commanding. "Stay behind Lucien and me. Do not wander off, regardless of what you witness."

Following his own words, Max moved forward and entered the Celestial Beast Temple with Lucien at his side. The others trailed closely behind, their forms slowly disappearing into the shadows of the enormous doorway.

To those left behind, the chosen group seemed to venture deeper into the temple's dark corridor until their figures vanished completely, leaving only the silent, ancient stone gates behind.

Inside, the hallway proved much longer than anticipated. The walls shifted, narrowing and broadening in an irregular rhythm, almost as if the temple were a breathing entity. A heavy, suffocating pressure weighed on their minds as they moved forward, and the silence was total, as if the very air swallowed every sound. After walking for a significant amount of time, they finally stepped into a massive central hall.

"What in the world?" Daniel cried out as soon as he saw the interior.

Seraphina gasped, her voice trembling. "What has happened to this place?"

Victor and the rest of the group stood paralyzed, their faces filled with shock. From the exterior, the Celestial Beast Temple had appeared grand and holy—a sanctuary fit for the Four Divine Beasts. However, the scene inside was a complete contradiction.

Dark, crimson vines snaked across the walls, the ceiling, and the giant stone columns supporting the roof. These vines pulsed with a faint rhythm, twitching and coiling with a slow, predatory movement that suggested they were alive. They looked less like flora and more like the pulsating veins of a massive beast.

A terrifying energy radiated from these vines, saturating every inch of the hall. The air was thick and foul, reeking of rot and corruption that made their skin itch with discomfort.

Eerie shadows clung to the architecture, and the sickly red light emitted by the vines transformed the hall into a hellish ruin rather than a divine temple. Whatever holiness this place once possessed had been twisted into a grotesque nightmare.

Among the group, Max and Lucien appeared the most disturbed by the sight.

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

Max shook his head, his face grim. "This isn't infernal energy," he corrected after a brief pause. "It mimics the oppressive and savage aura, but the nature is different. I can manipulate infernal energy and understand its essence perfectly. What we are looking at is merely a surface imitation."

He tightened his grip as he watched the crimson vines disappear into the darkness of the temple. "This is far more dangerous. It is more malicious, darker, and significantly more powerful. The force that corrupted this sanctuary is not infernal energy, but something much more sinister."

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

"Similar to the droplet of True Origin Devil Blood that tainted Mark," Max replied, his expression turning grave. "If my suspicions are correct, this entire temple has been infested by that same True Origin Devil Blood."