Chapter 2334: A weapon that surpassed the Third Realm
Sharpness appeared in the eyes of the Ancient One as he focused his power on the wound. In the next second, it began to close. It was not regeneration. Instead, it was something far more profound. The wound itself was being erased from existence, negated at a conceptual level.
Zuko’s eyes glowed with a solemn light as he witnessed the phenomenon.
"The wounds left by this sword should not be able to heal themselves," he said quietly. "You are powerful."
With those words, the aura of the Leader of the Masked Race erupted outward. His presence swelled to a terrifying degree, growing so immense that tremors rippled across Origin Island itself. The ground cracked, the air trembled, and distant laws of the island shuddered in response.
The Ancient One no longer maintained a relaxed stance. It was clear now—this was not a battle he could treat lightly. Zuko was no ordinary opponent. If he did not face the Leader of the Masked Race with all he had, there was a chance he could die.
In the next instant, tentacles formed from shadow and darkness erupted from the Ancient One’s back. Each was lined with countless staring eyes, all radiating an overwhelming sealing power. The air around them warped, heavy with suppression.
Zuko’s eyes sharpened as he took in the sight. Yet it was not merely their power that drew his reaction.
"That power..." he murmured. "It belongs to that monster. How do you possess it?"
Zuko would never forget that battle, even if it had taken place billions of years ago. Those tentacles had belonged to one of the strongest entities that invaded Origin Island—a being of pure darkness and malevolence. The idea that such a creature might have survived was not impossible. However, Zuko was absolutely certain that the primordial essence of the Ancient One and that monster were not the same.
Unfortunately for him, the Ancient One shielded his mind completely. Zuko’s ability to read thoughts failed to penetrate the barrier, leaving him full of questions.