The Director of Affairs was puzzled.
"Yes, liberation, termination, finality—that's it. That little bastard... who knows what he's done, how many people or monsters he's killed. Yet, those he ended were, in their final moments, all immensely grateful to him, without a shred of resentment."
At this point, the Great Grandmaster sneered. "He probably has no idea how terrifyingly attractive he is to Hell Creatures, does he? To those Solidifiers so desperate for an end, he must seem like a savior, a gospel.
From the moment I first saw him, I understood what Luo Su meant... If that Old Turtle isn't afraid of his successor falling into the Abyss, why should I meddle?"
After a brief silence, the Director of Affairs glanced at the Great Grandmaster, astonished. "Is this some dirty, unspoken deal among the higher-ups?"
"It's merely a tacit understanding born from knowing each other's vile natures too well."
The Great Grandmaster clicked his tongue in displeasure and urged, "Get a move on, don't slack off... Also, how's the battle situation?"
"The latest report, five minutes ago, said it's a stalemate."
The Director of Affairs replied, "August is leading the operation. Although that worrisome fellow has rather serious suicidal tendencies, he should at least hold out until he actually dies."
"Is that so?"
The Great Grandmaster revealed a grim smile.
He raised a finger, picked up the red-hot Crucible beside him, and poured all the malice and Disaster within it into the cauldron. And so, amidst the dancing flames, the scarlet, skull-shaped goblet opened its mouth, emitting a silent roar.
The great work was complete!
This was what remained after the Great Grandmaster had killed the Metal Baby, causing that sub-control center to collapse completely.
Once all non-essential external parts and attachments were stripped away, what remained was the core function of that sub-control center.
An interface to its very core.
"Even though I've read the report, it still makes one skeptical," the Director of Affairs said, leaning in curiously. "Could this thing truly be useful?"
"We'll know if we try."
The Great Grandmaster reached out and took the massive Metal Skull from within.
Like the most exquisite goblet, every detail was flawless.
As the flames subsided, the red-hot skull-goblet quickly reverted to its original pale appearance, as if crafted from a real human skull.
However, the previously empty goblet now slowly began to seep, drop by drop, a crimson liquid. It exuded a delicate fragrance, reminiscent of the finest aged wine.
Anyone who knew what it was couldn't help but retreat several paces, as if facing a dire enemy, terrified that even the smallest drop might splash onto them.
Holding the goblet, the Great Grandmaster pondered for a long time before suddenly revealing an unsettling smile. "I remember we have a blood sample from Huai Shi, don't we? Bring it to me. I'll add some extra kick to this... That's potent stuff."
Soon after, a vial containing twenty milliliters of blood was poured into the goblet, causing its contents to boil instantly. But just as quickly, the liquid, which had turned from crimson to pitch-black, miraculously regained its clarity.
Colorless and transparent, no more fragrance wafted from within.
Only countless dream-like bubbles continually rose, and upon contact with the air, burst soundlessly. The illusions within them vanished without a trace.
It resembled a certain carbonated beverage, much like 'Happy Water,' that also brought great pleasure.
"Signal August," the Great Grandmaster said abruptly, holding the goblet. "Tell him the storm is coming."
The Director of Affairs turned and hastily left.
He soon returned and gave a solemn nod to the Great Grandmaster.
"Isn't it lonely with only day and night?" In the dead silence, the Great Grandmaster raised his goblet, as if toasting an unseen entity, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Let's add a little something to this place..."
He flipped his wrist.
He poured out all the liquid in the goblet.
A seemingly endless stream of sweet liquid poured from the goblet, falling with the Great Grandmaster's gesture, then vanishing inexplicably into the air, its destination unknown.
In its place, tremors and roars echoed from outside the Iron Crystal Throne.
That was the Sky Dome—
At this very moment, under the dim light of Dusk, clouds suddenly materialized, blanketing this land that had been arid for millennia.
Thunder rumbled, the sound of the Heaven Drum.
Hurricanes began to swirl out of thin air. Then, as the clouds rapidly billowed, a sinister chill gripped every heart.
The Great Grandmaster pressed Hell's remote control.
The storm arrived, just as expected!