Chapter 1642: Marlin's self-destruction

Chapter 1642: Marlin’s self-destruction

“Are you sure of your answer?” Cain’s voice thundered from the sky, unleashing a visible pressure so intense that everyone in the Gu Sect felt as though the weight of an entire mountain had descended upon them, threatening to crush their bones at any second.

Karter didn’t fully understand what was occurring, but instinctively knew he had to respond decisively. Thus, he hastily nodded, though uncertainty lingered behind his eyes.

Cain’s expression softened slightly as he observed Karter’s lack of hesitation, his piercing gaze shifting immediately toward Lancer.

The Deus Behemoth trembled briefly before speaking, choosing his words carefully. “Karter speaks the truth, Scarlet King. Marlin has remained inside the Pool of Golden Blood to recover from the injuries sustained during your previous battle.” He paused for a moment, continuing in a hushed tone audible only to Cain and his fellow Third Realm Masters. “We also ensured she stayed confined there, preventing any attempt at escape.”

It was evident from Lancer’s tone that he and Karter had placed Marlin under a form of house arrest, intending to use her as leverage and a negotiation tool in their original plans to handle Cain.

However, that entire line of thinking had crumbled into irrelevance now that Cain had claimed undisputed dominion over the Gu Sect.

Cain’s frown deepened as he listened, yet the lethal coldness in his eyes began to recede. His previous hostility and palpable killing intent stemmed from the precise control he possessed over the Gu Sect’s formations.

He could detect every Third Realm presence within the sect, and according to his senses, aside from Karter, Lancer, and Pation, no other Third Realm life form remained.

Marlin’s presence eluded him, and Cain intended to confirm her location immediately.

“Guide me to her,” Cain commanded with unwavering authority, signaling decisively for the three masters to lead him directly to the Pool of Golden Blood.

Not daring to provoke the Scarlet King’s wrath, Karter, Lancer, and Pation quickly nodded, obediently leading him into the deepest recesses of the Gu Sect’s highest tower.

Soon, the group arrived at a colossal gate, its surface covered in ancient runes emanating an aura of healing and vitality.

The Pool of Golden Blood had been constructed long after Reverend Madness’s era, thus Cain had no prior memory or knowledge of this chamber. He gave the entrance an indifferent glance before waving his hand gently, causing the enormous gate to blast open effortlessly.

Inside lay a vast hall filled with the soothing golden radiance emitted by a large, shimmering pool overflowing with extraordinary vitality. At the center of this magnificent pool stood a beautiful woman whose ethereal blue hair and matching eyes shimmered softly under the golden glow.

Marlin’s gaze fell upon Cain, but instead of displaying fear or submission, her eyes narrowed defiantly. Turning toward Karter, Lancer, and Pation, her lips curled into a contemptuous sneer.

“Hmph, to think the mighty Patriarchs of the Gu Sect have fallen so far as to serve a mere child who hasn’t even lived a hundred years. Pathetic and disgraceful!”

The three Third Realm Masters remained unmoved by her scathing words. She was as good as dead, and they had little inclination to defend her pride. Instead, Karter turned respectfully toward Cain. “Just as we informed you, Scarlet King. She remains confined here.”

Cain briefly glanced at Karter, sensing only truth behind his words. Nonetheless, he shook his head gently, as if dismissing some lingering doubt, and strode forward, stopping only at the pool’s edge. His gaze fell on Marlin again, yet this time his eyes carried neither rage nor hatred, only a hollow sense of pity.

“Pathetic.”

Marlin had braced herself for confrontation and was prepared to respond to any threats or insults hurled her way. Yet this single word cut deeper than any blade, directly piercing her pride and insecurities. Her face immediately twisted in rage, hatred blazing fiercely in her eyes.

“You insolent brat!” she screamed furiously, her entire form suddenly erupting with chaotic energy, signaling imminent self-destruction.

Such decisiveness shocked even the three experienced Patriarchs. None had expected Marlin to possess such courage, nor to react so decisively. However, their admiration quickly turned to horror as the golden pool surrounding her also began to glow, resonating dangerously with her volatile energies.

“That damned woman!” Karter shouted furiously, understanding the danger immediately. As an expert in explosive energies, he could perceive clearly that Marlin had merged her spirit directly into the Pool of Golden Blood.

If she successfully triggered her self-detonation, it would ignite the entire pool, resulting in a catastrophic blast potent enough to obliterate a significant portion of the Gu Sect.

Cain moved instantly, his body vanishing into a streak of storm light before reappearing directly before Marlin, his right hand already formed into a blade.

Marlin returned his cold stare with a brutal smile, taunting him viciously. “Even if you kill me now, you cannot stop this explosion. Enjoy ruling over a pile of ashes!”

“Hmph!” Cain offered nothing more than a disdainful snort in reply. His hand ignited in ethereal scarlet flames as he struck downward swiftly, slicing through Marlin’s head and torso. Surprisingly, the strike inflicted no visible harm, passing through her as though her body had become intangible.

Initially confused, Marlin’s eyes widened in horror the very next second as she realized her fatal error. The golden pool surrounding her had abruptly stopped resonating.

“You’ve severed my connection to—” she began desperately, panic overtaking her voice.

However, Cain allowed no further words, swiftly extending his left hand forward to grip her neck firmly and raising her from the pool of golden liquid. His psychic force immediately surged through her body, sealing away all her energy and restricting all movement except her ability to speak.

The three Patriarchs—Karter, Lancer, and even the stoic Pation—stood utterly stunned by Cain’s actions. They knew his forte was his Ego Eternal Path of Power, yet witnessing his flawless, almost divine command over multiple complex Concepts left them genuinely shaken.