Chapter 532: The Sword
Chapter 532: The Sword
When Yang Chen stepped forward, Sauron and the others behind him looked puzzled. They knew that if Yang Chen wanted to take the sword, he wouldn't need to send others. However, having followed Yang Chen for many years, they also knew that Yang Chen didn't like to be questioned, so they remained silent.
Master Yun Miao was quite confused, not understanding why Yang Chen would help the Dark Council against the Church. But she was alone and had little to do with the interests of these organizations, so she didn't bother to ask.
Sargeras, who had originally closed his eyes, ready to accept his unexpected defeat, couldn't help but open his eyes again upon hearing Yang Chen's response. He turned his head with difficulty, his deep eyes full of confusion.
Lilith, however, was trembling all over, not from crying or fear, but from overwhelming excitement!
She had resorted to this plea out of desperation, not expecting this seemingly amiable Hades to truly be soft-hearted. But unexpectedly, her last-ditch effort had actually succeeded!
Apart from expressing her gratitude with her gaze, Lilith had no other words.
Yang Chen couldn't bear the sight of the vampire woman's pitiful eyes, like a rose with thorns suddenly turning into a delicate lily—it was too stark a contrast.
Choosing to ignore Lilith and her father, Yang Chen stepped forward for several reasons. Aside from his slight acquaintance with Lilith and a hint of pity, the fact that the opponent was the Church made Yang Chen particularly interested.
After all, the Church had once attempted to unite other organizations to kill him in Japan. While he didn't feel an urgent need for revenge, if the opportunity presented itself and the other party didn't appreciate his goodwill, he wouldn't mind returning the favor.
Hearing Lilith address Yang Chen as "Hades," Cardinal Cruyff stopped in his tracks and stared at Yang Chen. It wasn't until Yang Chen was standing in front of the vampire father and daughter that he spoke, "Are you really Hades, the new Hades?"
Yang Chen didn't answer immediately. Instead, he knelt down, took Sargeras's wrist, and infused a stream of innate true energy into him.
Sargeras, who had never felt the life-giving true energy from the Great Reincarnation Sutra, was amazed as the pain in his chest was immediately suppressed, preventing further spread. He was deeply shocked.
This young god possessed such hidden abilities?!
Gabriel, the head of the Crusaders behind Cruyff, had seen Yang Chen in Zhonghai before. He hadn't recognized him earlier due to Yang Chen's low profile, but now his face changed drastically as he stepped forward to confirm Yang Chen's identity to Cruyff.
Once Yang Chen's identity was confirmed, the expressions of the Church members, as well as those of the various organizations around the venue, changed dramatically.
The members of Takamagahara and the Knights of the Round Table, aware of Yang Chen's background, were not too surprised. However, those who had grudges against Yang Chen, such as Nurarihyon and Prince, looked extremely grim. Representatives from various multinational organizations and mercenaries, including Jaguar, Blue Storm, and the Soviet Medal, showed reactions ranging from fear to shock and fanaticism.
After all, Yang Chen had not been active globally for over two years. The first god-slayer in history, who had retired suddenly, carried a mysterious and awe-inspiring legacy!
The elderly Cruyff remained relatively calm but was visibly angered by Yang Chen's disregard. Upon hearing Gabriel's confirmation, he sneered, "I didn't expect that the Hades who shocked the world over two years ago, the first god-slayer turned god, would be such a young man."
Yang Chen stood up, glanced at Cruyff, and said, "Leave now. I'll ensure that Sargeras and Lilith leave safely. Don't waste any more time here. I didn't come here to shed blood."
"Hmph," Cruyff squinted and looked up. "Hades, it seems you're just an ordinary mortal. Do you think I don't know? You're merely bluffing. According to the Pact of the Gods, even if you have enough strength, we are not gods, so you have no authority to unseal us privately.
You have no divine power to assist you, while our Church has two six-winged seraphs using genuine divine light!"
"Even the demigod Sargeras has fallen to my Spear of Longinus. Do you think we would fear a mere Hades who cannot unseal, a mere mortal?"
As these words fell, the two six-winged angels behind Cruyff spread their wings once more, appearing to Yang Chen's left and right, forming a pincer position. The wings, formed from divine light, exuded immense pressure, creating waves of golden light like ripples on a lake, and a fierce wind swept across the ground, kicking up sand and stones. Many people standing nearby were forced to retreat.
Such terrifying momentum made many people wonder if Hades, without unsealing, could really stand against the Church's six-winged angels.
Cruyff's face was full of satisfaction as he enjoyed the sight of fearful gazes around him.
Yang Chen remained unmoved, smirking, "It seems you are not planning to listen to me."
"Listen to you? Ha ha, young man, don't be so full of yourself. Others might call you a god, but to me, you are no threat!" Cruyff laughed arrogantly. "For the sake of the merciful Lord, I don't want to harm the innocent. If you hand over these filthy dark creatures and give us the Sword of Death, I will not pursue your insolence."
"Oh, it seems you are quite concerned about the sword," Yang Chen said calmly. With a gesture, the black box that Sauron was holding flew into Yang Chen's hand.
Holding the tightly locked alloy black box, Yang Chen, under everyone's watchful eyes, smashed the seemingly indestructible lock with a single punch.
Opening the black box, an ancient silver-gray sword, about three feet long and somewhat reminiscent of a Roman gladius, lay quietly inside.
Many people present swallowed nervously. This was an artifact, would there be some special reaction upon opening it?
However, many were clearly disappointed.
Yang Chen casually took out the plain-looking silver-gray sword and twirled it a few times. It emitted no power whatsoever.
The only decorative part of the sword was some runes on the blade, and the edge looked so dull that people doubted if it could be used as a weapon.
"This is the Sword of Death?"
"Fake, it looks so ordinary. It's not even as good as my dagger."
"Maybe we just don't understand its purpose?"
Many people started whispering among themselves, but the sword's mysterious allure had indeed diminished significantly. However, those with true insight were not too surprised.
Unlike the ostentatious display of power from holy and demonic artifacts like Cruyff's Spear of Longinus or Lilith's scythe, which were dazzling and imposing, divine artifacts were often much more understated. Just like Ares's Spear of War, which appeared to be an ordinary bronze spear but could lock space and unleash tremendous power when wielded by Ares.
Just as true masters conceal their strength, making it imperceptible to ordinary people, divine artifacts could not be understood by common individuals.
At this moment, not only were Cruyff and his men staring at the Sword of Death in Yang Chen's hand, but also the likes of Nurarihyon from Takamagahara, Laura, and Prince from the Knights of the Round Table were eyeing it fervently.
While most couldn't sense it, these individuals could keenly feel the oppressive aura of death emanating from the seemingly ordinary sword. This sensation was not something that an ordinary weapon could produce.
Yang Chen chuckled, casually placing the sword back in the box and closing it. "It seems you all want this sword very much. In fact, I have no interest in it. I prefer fighting with my hands, and I'm not fond of weapons. But since this is something the Church desires greatly, I think I'll keep it."
"You will regret this decision, young man," Cruyff said, his eyes blazing with anger.
"My decision is because you've irritated me," Yang Chen replied calmly, tossing the black box back.
Sauron caught the box, and though his usually stiff face showed a wry smile, he dared not refuse to hold the coveted artifact.
"Fine, fine, fine!" Cruyff said three times, his face turning red with rage, his tone rising as he laughed maniacally. "Since you have chosen to oppose us, I will no longer try to persuade you. I know our attempt to kill you in Japan failed. But do you really think the Church is helpless against you?!
You are a god, but without divine power, you are just a man. Let me show you the power of the six-winged angels. I will see how you withstand it without divine power! I don't want to waste any more time. Let me show you the true strength of the six-winged angels. I, Cruyff, do not mind killing a god!"
As Cruyff finished speaking, he pointed the Spear of Longinus towards the sky, causing a rain of light to fall. The divine power of the two six-winged angels on his left and right surged dramatically. They transformed into two platinum beams of light, each holding a massive sword of platinum light. Their wings flapped as they launched themselves at Yang Chen!
The sound of their rapid approach tore through the air, distorting the surrounding space and slicing through it with supernatural speed. Everyone present found it hard to believe their eyes!
It was clear they hadn't used their full strength against Sargeras earlier!
Yang Chen remained expressionless. Without even looking or reacting, he simply took a step forward towards where Cruyff was standing.