The Dawn of the New World

"Killing a large number of them at once is the only way to do any serious damage to them as a whole," 89 smilingly said.

Hao Xuan's expressionless face stared back at his, which was still hidden underneath the robe.

"Why tell me such a thing? Dai Zhi is your master. I could be his enem- No, I think you already know we don't get along which is why you people sent me those coordinates."

89 shook his head gently, "You are mistaken. My only duty is to serve the Church, I am bound by no other responsibilities. To help Lord Dai Zhi create his spark, that is why I am here. That is why we ALL are here."

Hao Xuan scoffed, "I'll see about that."

Just then the sound of rolling thunder carried over from the left side. Hao Xuan turned towards the source and saw the top of the purple whirlpool. It was below them now, a few hundred kilometers away if not more.

This 2,000 meters long and 800-meter wide compound was created on top of the highest peak of the same mountain range that Hao Xuan saw from the ground.

It was so high that he couldn't even see the peak from below and now he was standing on it. It was at least 20 kilometers above ground.

"How did Dai Zhi create this place here? It can't have been easy," Hao Xuan commented hoping to pry some more information from 89's mouth which he was more than happy to do.

"This place was not created by Lord Dai Zhi. It was a gift from the Church that we brought for him. A treasure palace that can be summoned anywhere. It can house more than 10,000 individuals and provides a few rare amenities that are necessary for an army."

"An army? Is that why that ground is there?"

"Yes. To train them in a safe environment. As to why he chose this place, I believe it was because of the view," 89 finished by gesturing towards the whirlpool but Hao Xuan was more shocked to hear that it was a gift.

"Can it be summoned and recalled as he wishes?"

"No, once it is summoned it cannot be moved. It shows Lord Dao Zhi's commitment to his plans as well as his confidence in them that he summoned it in such a place. Most people would wait to get to a safe world before doing so but I think Lord Dai Zhi already considers this world his own."

"His own?"

Hao Xuan thought about the slumbering death lord corpse, the prison, and Beelzebub, each of which was an overwhelming force in its own right and Dai Zhi had the gal to claim this world for himself?

"Hahaha, I'd like to see that happen."

89 was amused by Hao Xuan's comment, "You do not think it is possible?"

"No," Hao Xuan shook his head, "Anything is possible. But the possibility of him claiming this world is abysmally low. It's just a matter of numbers. There are too many contenders for that specific position."

"Are you...one of them? The contenders?"

Hao Xuan's smile faltered before disappearing.

"No. I'm just looking to get back home in one piece."

Behind them, Micha and Princess Ceni were able to stand on their own again with a little help from 86. Hao Xuan heard them approach and gestured towards 89.

"Looks like they are finally ready. Take me to Dai Zhi and the others."

89 gave an exaggerated bow from the waist, "As you wish, my lord."

He led the way and went down the staircase followed closely behind by Hao Xuan, Princess Ceni, Micha, and 86.

After going down three flights of stairs the clamor of a large crowd suddenly reached them. When Hao Xuan stepped onto the floor he felt various energies pass through and for a short moment even saw a few symbols floating about in the air.

The quality of air became much cleaner and even ambient spiritual energy increased twofold. Rather than an inanimate building, this place felt like more a living breathing forest.

'A treasure indeed,' Hao Xuan thought inwardly.

The ground looked like it was made of white marble but after a few meters it started to change to grey stone on the left side. When they passed by that section Hao Xuan was able to peek inside and see where all the noise was coming from.

There were dozens of forges lining the sides with boiling metal bubbling in between them moving about. A large humanoid figure that looked like it was made of mud and stone manned each forge, holding giant hammers over their heads.

89 saw Hao Xuan's lingering gaze and slowed to inform him.

"Golems. Created for the sole purpose of producing weapons and armors. They came with the palace."