Earth's Greatest Magus

Grand Magus's ascension was perilous for several reasons. Firstly, it demanded immense determination and concentration to succeed in the tribulation. Even a slight lapse could result in catastrophic failure.

Secondly, the process was fraught with external threats. The powerful energies involved in the ascension would attract formidable beasts and, more ominously, other humans. With an average 60% chance of failure, opportunistic magus often lurked nearby, hoping to loot the remains of the failed magus. In some cases, the deceased magus might leave behind valuable cosmic remains, which could enhance another's soul force or give a fortunate glimpse comprehension of the law.

Emery understood that the hunchbacked grand magus, Mo Yan, was a spirit master who cultivated the path of darkness. Initially, he assumed that Mo Yan's primary goal in attacking Magus Heorgar's tribulation was to gain insights into the law of darkness. However, as he observed the grand magus's reactions, he realized that Mo Yan's true intention was to turn Heorgar into part of his grotesque slave collection.

The spirit soul of Magus Heorgar had already expanded, initially forming the shape of a fetus, then maturing into a small child, and gradually growing into a full adult form. This transformation was a breathtaking sight, with his soul glowing brilliantly as it absorbed and synthesized the surrounding energy. Finally, the fully developed soul returned to his body, creating his aperture. His bones, muscles, and organs, soaked in silvery cosmic energy, underwent qualitative changes, evolving from the previous clear spirit energy of a magus.

With a powerful roar that echoed across the battlefield, Heorgar successfully ascended into the grand magus realm.

His eyes snapped open, aware of everything that had transpired during his tribulation. Recognizing the immediate threat, Heorgar quickly unleashed the power of his newly formed domain. This natural grand magus ability allowed him to counteract and block Mo Yan's oppressive battlefield domain, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

In a fluid motion, Heorgar began transforming into his Demon Wolf form. His dark fur, now covered in a phantom aura, radiated an intimidating presence. His eyes glowed with fierce determination, reflecting his readiness to fight. The transformation was complete, and Heorgar stood as a towering figure of dominance.

Despite Emery's relief for Heorgar's success, he understood the precarious situation they were in. Heorgar, having just undergone a grand tribulation, would be mentally exhausted, making him a prime target for Mo Yan's spirit attack.

Emery acted quickly, tossing a purple spirit defense pill towards Heorgar. Unfortunately, the pill was instantly destroyed by Mo Yan's powerful spirit attack.

In that split second, Heorgar unleashed dozens of phantom figures, each one a shadowy duplicate of himself, to serve as his shield. The battlefield was filled with these ethereal shapes as Heorgar took a decisive step forward, charging at Mo Yan with all his might. His movements were fierce and determined, showing the resilience and strength of a newly ascended Grand Magus.

However, Mo Yan was more than adequately prepared. His spectral body expanded, and with a chilling detachment, he launched a barrage of powerful blows that shattered the phantom figures one by one. Each strike was precise and devastating, dismantling Heorgar's defenses with terrifying efficiency. Within moments, the phantom figures were reduced to wisps of dissipating energy, leaving Heorgar vulnerable.

As Heorgar pushed forward, straining to break through Mo Yan's assault, the old grand magus intensified his attack. Mo Yan's spectral arms, now more menacing and powerful, lashed out with relentless force. They smashed into Heorgar from two sides, the impact reverberating through the battlefield, and then coiled around him, restraining him tightly.

"URGGHH!!!!" Heorgar roared, his Demon Wolf form thrashing as he tried to break free. Yet, Mo Yan's grip was unyielding. The spectral arms squeezed tighter, their grip like iron, preventing Heorgar from escaping.

"Hahahaha, be happy, for all of you have been chosen to be part of my forces. Together, we will rule this universe!" Mo Yan's voice echoed with sinister glee. His gaze shifted to the restrained Heorgar, a predatory smile curling on his lips. "You shall go first," he declared, before beginning to cast his enslavement spell.

The whole situation, from Heorgar's ascension to Mo Yan casting the spell, unfolded in a matter of seconds. Despite the brevity, those moments stretched interminably for Emery. He was fully restrained by the oppressive weight of the domain battlefield and the relentless strength of Shen Long, the half-blood dragon.

However, the truth was that Emery had been biding his time for one last strike. He had observed how the enslavement spell had worked on Ramos. Mo Yan, while powerful, had limitations.

This was the perfect time to unleash his hidden strength. Emery activated all 128 of his meridians with a divine skill that gave him the explosive power he needed.

[Immortal Gate - Stage 9]

[Battle Power 951 (1207)]

Reaching the highest stage of the Immortal Gate granted him another 256 battle power, a total of an astounding 512 battle power boost, transforming this skill into a peak magus level technique, a tier 7 strength that epitomized the full might of Lord Izta's grand power.

However, Emery had not yet fully comprehended this divine skill, and he could only maintain it for less than a minute. The strain would leave him with internal wounds that could last for days, making this his ultimate trump card, reserved for the most critical moments.

With this surge of power, Emery broke free from Shen Long's restraining grip. His blade, now brimming with spatial energy, cut through the air with a menacing hum. He leaped toward Mo Yan, maximized his space manipulation spells.

Just a few steps away, Mo Yan turned toward Emery with a glint of a smile, as if he had been expecting this attack all along. With a swift motion, one of Mo Yan's spectral arms transformed into a formidable shield that blocked his sudden attack. Meanwhile, the dragon half-blood Shen Long charged from behind, his piercing torrent strike came menacingly from behind, creating an inescapable trap for Emery. His demise seemed inevitable.

However, Emery's lips curled into a knowing smile as he whispered, "Now."

To Mo Yan's astonishment, a shadowy figure materialized from the void just a step away. A young female, her presence emanating a dark, powerful aura, swung her massive scythe with deadly precision. It was Livi the Baphomet. Not only had she not joined the mobile formation, but using her high proficiency in shadow manipulation and Emery space magic, Emery had kept her hidden within the void next to Heorgar for this exact moment.

"NO!" Mo Yan's voice erupted in fury.

Livi's scythe, brimming with dark energy, sliced through Mo Yan's spectral body. The force of her strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Only about one third of the attack penetrated, inflicting a moderate wound on Mo Yan's back. However, it was enough to disrupt Mo Yan's spirit attack and destabilize his spectral form.

Emery seized the opportunity without hesitation. He decisively launched his second strike, shattering the spectral shield, and to ensure complete success, Emery chose not to dodge Shen Long's powerful piercing attack. Instead, he fully embraced the blow, using the force of the blast to propel himself closer to Mo Yan for a third, final strike.

His [Void Blade] gleamed with lethal intent, aimed at Mo Yan's neck.

"NO!!!"

SPLLAATT!!!

Blood splattered as Emery's blade sliced its target cleanly. The hunchback grand magus's head, showing a look of utter disbelief, flew into the air before the rest of his body crumpled.

The once-feared hunchback slave master has fallen under Emery's blade.

Instantly, the oppressive battlefield domain began to dissipate. The dark, malevolent energy that had filled the air evaporated, and the eerie mist cleared. The magus lying on the ground— Beatrice, Edgar, Yord, and Tobin—were freed from the paralyzing grip of the domain.

Unfortunately, the battle was far from over. Though the spells were halted and the oppressive domain had dissipated, the enslavement mark on Shen Long still remained. Consumed with fury over the death of his master, Shen Long chased after the wounded Emery with relentless ferocity.

Seeing the imminent danger, Livi quickly intervened. She leaped forward to block Shen Long's strike but was violently thrown back, hurtling dozens of meters before hitting the ground. The second strike was imminent, aimed directly at Emery.

Before it could land, Heorgar, who had just awakened from his ascension, charged with his newfound Grand Magus strength. He tackled the half-blood dragon away, their clash shaking the ground as their powers collided.

Emery, though battered and exhausted, remained focused, his eyes locked on Mo Yan's decapitated body. He knew it wasn't over yet.

As expected, the ghastly spirit of Mo Yan emerged from his headless body, his spectral form screeching in anger and exuding a powerful aura. A Grand Magus's soul, especially one belonging to a spirit master like Mo Yan, was nearly as dangerous as the physical body itself.

Emery, despite the searing pain from his wounds, met Mo Yan's vengeful gaze with a challenging stare. Summoning the last vestiges of his strength, he unleashed a spell designed to counter such an opponent.

[Spirit Devour]