Chapter 358: Chapter 357- Paranoia (6) "I have to prepare myself... and grow stronger."
Grey spoke after a long silence, his expression resolute and unwavering. He was not someone who wasted words. In fact, he rarely spoke unless it was necessary. Yet he understood better than anyone what was at stake.
The arrival of the major sects was no small matter. Powerful cultivators from across the continent would soon descend upon Sky Mist City. Whether they came with good intentions or hidden motives remained unknown. In a world where strength determined one’s fate, Grey knew there was only one thing he could rely on.
Power.
Without hesitation, he returned to the Detective Department and locked himself inside his office. He had already made up his mind.
Closed-door cultivation.
He would not emerge until his strength had increased significantly.
Inside the room, Grey sat cross-legged on the floor and slowly closed his eyes. His breathing gradually became calm and steady. The noise of the outside world faded away as his consciousness descended into a state of deep meditation.
Soon, his thoughts quieted and his awareness drifted inward.
However, Grey did not leave himself completely defenseless.
Before entering meditation, he summoned the shadow.
The dark figure emerged silently from beneath him, standing nearby like a loyal servant.
"Continue gathering corrosive substances during the night," Grey instructed. "Absorb whatever you can and grow stronger. During the day, remain here and guard me."
The shadow lowered its head obediently.
Although it possessed intelligence and its own will, it did not object. Ever since being suppressed and bound by the purple crystal, its resistance had diminished considerably. It merely accepted Grey’s command without complaint.
Even so, Grey did not feel entirely reassured.
A moment later, the purple phantom appeared from the darkness.
Its body flickered with a faint violet glow before becoming nearly transparent once again.
"You will stand watch as well," Grey said calmly. "If danger appears, wake me immediately before engaging the enemy."
The phantom silently nodded.
Only after arranging these precautions did Grey finally relax and allow his consciousness to sink completely inward.
The world around him vanished.
When his vision returned, he found himself standing within his Sea of Consciousness.
The enormous purple moon hung high above, casting a dim and mysterious glow across the endless waters below. Purple light reflected upon every wave, causing the entire sea to resemble a vast ocean of liquid amethyst.
The sight was beautiful.
Yet beneath that beauty lurked countless mysteries.
Grey’s gaze swept across his spiritual world.
Not far away stood the totem of the Soul Devouring Everlasting Bird. The enormous figure remained motionless, radiating an ancient and oppressive aura.
Below the surface of the water, Grey spotted another familiar presence.
The Mosasaur.
The giant sea beast drifted beneath the waves while staring directly at him.
Its enormous eyes contained an emotion that surprised Grey.
Confusion.
"It’s time I figure out what to do with you."
Grey’s voice echoed across the Sea of Consciousness as he slowly approached.
The moment the Mosasaur noticed him moving closer, it became visibly nervous. Its massive body shifted beneath the water as it swam in circles.
Grey stopped directly above it.
The beast immediately raised its head and locked eyes with him.
A thoughtful expression appeared on Grey’s face.
Although the creature could not speak, he could sense a faint intelligence within its gaze. It was enough to make him suspect that the Mosasaur understood more than it appeared to.
"Why are you still alive?"
Grey’s voice became colder.
"I devoured your life force. I consumed your soul essence. By all logic, you should no longer exist. Yet somehow, you continue to reside within my Sea of Consciousness."
The Mosasaur trembled.
Its enormous maw opened and closed repeatedly.
It seemed to be attempting to answer him.
Unfortunately, no words emerged.
Only silence.
Grey frowned slightly.
Without another word, his body dissolved into countless particles of light before instantly reappearing beneath the water directly before the Mosasaur.