Death... and me

Rean and Frin were obviously more curious now. Rean had guessed that it had something to do with the Bloodline Soul Mark, but that much was easy to connect to what was currently going on. That's why he and Frin were curious about it since it seemed to go further than that.

Duran noticed their expressions, with the exception of Roan, who seemed to have understood already. Nevertheless, he decided to explain, looking at Frin and asking, "Frin, you do know that our Zasfin race and your demon beast race had quite a similar standing in the past, right? I mean, before the Bloodline Soul Marks."

Frin nodded in response. Everyone knew that before the Bloodline Marks, both races were more or less equal in strength. This wasn't exactly a secret for the higher-ups of both sides.

Duran then continued, "This enemy gave the Bloodline Soul Marks to us so that we could restrain the demon beasts. I'm sure you've already figured that out since Rean just mentioned it. Now, that's the main point of the issue. While the demon beasts fought back, trying to stop the advancement of our Zasfin race, he closed the portal. After all, the Stage Nine Demon Beasts of your side didn't have time to worry about that."

Frin was taken aback. "I see...that's how he took control over the Beastial Sacred Land's formation. It was because we didn't have anyone to protect it. If we were right, he had to prevent anyone else from coming from the Realm of Gods after him."

Rean nodded as well, saying, "In the end, this long-lasting grudge between the demon beasts and the Zasfins was started by him. Now everything makes sense. After all, both sides needed each other so that they could improve their cultivation. That guy used the Zasfins' greed for power to break the balance. For one, he got to take control over the demon beasts' Bestial Sacred Ground. Two, he stopped all threats that were coming from above. It's perfect!"

Frin and Duran, knowing that everything was just a huge scheme that used their forces for countless years, were now seething in rage. "Doesn't that mean that all the deaths, sacrifices, and everything else that had happened so far were simply meaningless?" Naturally, they were having a hard time accepting it all.

Roan warned the group, though. "Don't forget that this is all speculation. We'll have to check it out if we manage to take that guy down."

Frin, Duran, and Rean agreed with Roan. "Then, let's head after the crimson spheres or whatever they're called."

Meanwhile, close to the center of the dimensional realm, far high in the skies, a pair composed of a Demon Bird and a Demon Plant was watching everything below. Of course, they were the only ones capable of seeing anything. No one else would be able to notice their presence even if they looked from the ground straight in their direction. After all, Kentucky was using Rean's Light bending skill.

Kentucky, who had the best eyes for long-distance view, could not help but comment, "There were quite a few scary demon beasts there before. However, most of them disappeared around a day earlier, and they haven't come returned anymore. Do you think Rean's group had anything to do with it?"

Celis nodded with conviction, responding, "They're the only ones who could possibly cause this sudden change. Don't forget that we have been here for a few days, and those demon beasts haven't moved a single muscle until that very moment."

"What do you think we should do, then?" Kentucky asked before continuing, "Maybe we can go and find them to tell them that most of the defenses have disappeared."

Celis shook his head in response. "No, let's stay here. Your connection to the twins isn't as good as theirs. You can't feel their positions at the moment, right? This dimensional realm is too enormous. Chances are that we won't even find their traces at all."

Kentucky narrowed his eyes. "I wonder if there are any more demon beasts hidden down there. Since we aren't going to look for Rean's group, how about I take a closer look? This is an opportunity we shouldn't miss since there are a lot fewer demon beasts."

Celis couldn't help but ask, "Weren't you the one complaining that you didn't want to do this risky mission? How come you're so eager to take a look now?"

Kentucky didn't expect those words from Celis, instantly thinking up of an excuse as he replied, "Ahem...as a Divine Demon Beast, I can't turn back in front of a challenge. This would sully the image of the Minokawas of the universe. Back then, I was just... just...right! I was just testing your resolve, telling you about the risks."

Celis's mouth twitched as he could not help but curse inwardly, 'Perhaps I chose the wrong Divine Demon Bird to make a nest on my branches...'

However, Celis quickly put those thoughts behind since he also wanted to take a closer look. It was just as Kentucky mentioned. They had to take this chance now that most of the demon beasts defending the area left. "Alright, make sure to use your Spiritual Energy to prevent the wind from blowing after you flap your wings. That way, Rean's Light bending skill should be enough to keep us hidden now that the number of demon beasts is sparse."

Kentucky immediately nodded as Spiritual Energy gathered around his body. Any sound coming from his wings was kept within a meter of his body, not being able to go any further than that. Of course, Kentucky was ready to flash away at any slight change in his surroundings.

However, after they passed a certain point, the scenario in front of them changed completely. The number of demon beasts was still sparse. However, what appeared under their vision was a gigantic blood pond. "This..."

"That's the Bestial Blood Pond Phex talked about!" Kentucky could not help but exclaim. Fortunately, his Spiritual Energy was blocking any sound from escaping. Otherwise, all the demon beasts there would have heard his voice. "So, it was here all this time. How come we didn't see it?"

"That's obviously an illusion formation doing its job. Pay attention. The number of demon beasts didn't change, but their positions definitely did. After all, they couldn't stand on the pond itself. Very clever..."

Kentucky and Celis also understood another point after that. "The World Beast Formation Rean and Roan talked about must be here."