Chapter 688: Mana Pool
Max, Lyra, and Elder Drew moved deeper a the dimly lit cave, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the damp stone walls. A faint bluish glow shimmered from ahead, hinting at the mana pool’s presence.
Elder Drew walked ahead, hands clasped behind his back, speaking with a light tone as he explained the procedures.
He talked about the special sealing formation they would use to extract the mana pool without disturbing the natural balance, how it would be transported through the empire’s spatial vault, and how it would ultimately be stationed in the Great Ruler Empire’s cultivation sanctuary to nourish future generations of geniuses.
His voice was steady, filled with authority and pride. But behind him, Max remained quiet, not responding, not even nodding.
Since the moment Elder Heng delivered that unsettling warning, a heaviness had settled in Max’s chest. The old man and Noah had already left, acknowledging the result of the competition and giving the Great Ruler Empire their rightful claim over the mana pool.
But what lingered wasn’t their presence—it was the words. That silent accusation. That lingering threat.
"Don’t think too much about it," Elder Drew said with a soft chuckle, glancing over his shoulder and noticing the deep, contemplative expression carved into Max’s face. "The Bright Buddha Palace may be mysterious, even odd, but when it comes to true strength—when it matters—we of the Great Ruler Empire are still a notch above. I can assure you that. You don’t need to carry that old man’s words on your back."
Lyra turned to Max as well, her voice gentle. "Don’t worry about it, Max. Everything will be fine."
Max nodded silently as he followed Elder Drew and Lyra deeper into the cave, the faint glow of the mana pool reflecting off the damp stone walls like veins of light guiding them forward. His steps were steady, his expression calm, but his thoughts ran deeper than ever.