After the Lord of the Abyss Awakens - Chapter 89.1

“Lord of the Abyss ?”

The good daughter’s request made the father pause for a moment.

While Xiu Si was thinking, his peripheral vision caught the constantly updating world news, and he suddenly fell silent, saying. “It seems we really need to.”

But how should they handle this?

The other side was the seven great magic families, with countless high-level experts. He was currently only level 43. If they were to see through him…

As Xiu Si was deep in thought, the forest cat raised its head and meowed once.

Xiu Si lowered his head and met the forest cat’s gaze.

In the forest cat’s eyes, there seemed to be a reflection of a spiritual forest. It seemed like She had been ready, raising Her paw and saying, “Father meow, just listen to me meow!”

Seeing his child appearing so confident, Xiu Si couldn’t help but smile.

He remembered that Valefor was a very determined child when young, very naughty, loved to play, and also worked hard to level up.

Xiu Si patted the forest cat’s head and asked curiously, “What level are you now?”

The ragdoll cat widened its eyes upon hearing this, thinking it hadn’t exchanged level signals with Sixth Sister yet.

Then the forest cat spoke a number that shocked Xiu Si.

****

The next morning, at the Alliance’s meeting hall.

“Your Excellency Norman Til, are you sure you want to fall out with the seven great magic families?”

The tall, thin man with golden hair and white skin had solemn eyes, wore luxurious clothes, and stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Behind him stood several top-ranked human experts, each wearing unfriendly expressions with murderous intent in their eyes.

People came and went in the meeting hall, but this conflict made everyone stop in their tracks.

Yesterday’s meeting dispute had spread throughout the Alliance. If some people hadn’t suppressed it, almost all humans in the world would have known about it.

Just one of the seven great magic families was a behemoth that could move freely across the continent, even great empires had to be wary of them. Norman Til offending all seven at once meant facing incredibly powerful enemies, which went without saying.

Someone had calculated the odds of victory, believing it was three for Norman Til and seven for the seven great magic families. This was based on the former’s strength despite his youth, while the latter were long-established great families hiding countless terrifying methods.

It’s worth noting that victory was often not determined solely by strength.

Among the seven great magic families, there were lineages especially skilled in curses. When pushed to desperation, they might even collude with gods to deal with Norman Til.

Under such conditions, unless Norman Til went on a killing spree and disregarded his hero title, it would be difficult to handle these cunning old fellows.

The man speaking now was called Fexile, whose family ranked second among the seven great magic families. He possessed great personal strength, and his family ruled a great empire, being an existence that could command wind and rain, covering the sky with one hand on the continent.

Fexile stepping forward as the spokesperson for the seven great magic families and questioning Norman Til in public largely indicated one thing.

—Even if Norman Til had an overnight awakening and changed his mind, no longer seeking justice for the hero, they wouldn’t easily turn this page.

There were often humans ranked at the top in strength, living and dying, changing year after year, but their seven great magic families had existed for thousands of years.

Do you know what this meant?

It meant that for mere Norman Til, they had plenty of methods to deal with him!

Fexile stared at Norman Til, with an seemingly official attitude, but his eyes couldn’t suppress the jealousy toward Norman Til.

He had been jealous of Norman Til for decades. They were from the same generation, why was Norman Til ranked second among humans, and not him?

Why did Norman Til become the contractor of the demon god Baal and Agares’s student? When comparing initially, the advantage was clearly his, yet Norman Til had gotten ahead of him, and his strength had soared?

How could a mere commoner of unknown origins achieve all this?

Public grievances and private hatred made Fexile’s face twist, though he himself was completely unaware of it.

The atmosphere on the scene was explosive. Countless people stared intently at the two of them.

However, facing his provocation, Norman Til remained expressionless, completely unmoved, and coldly said, “You colluded with otherworld gods thousands of years ago, there’s no guarantee the current otherworld god activities aren’t related to you. I think eliminating you is the first step to solving the problem.”

Before he finished speaking, everyone’s expressions changed drastically.

Norman Til actually suspected that the current otherworld god activities were related to the seven great magic families.

Upon hearing this, Fexile became furious, stepped forward, almost drawing his sword on the spot, and said viciously, “You’re causing us trouble based on just a guess? Do you know how many major contributions we’ve made to humanity?”

Norman Til didn’t avoid the confrontation at all, and also stepped forward, staring into Fexile’s eyes, saying, “It’s not a guess. Although there’s no concrete evidence now, I think there will be evidence soon. If you think this is slander, there’s no need to be anxious. The innocent will be cleared, isn’t that right?”

“Slander!”

Fexile’s face turned red with anger, “You, whose strength entirely relies on the Abyss Lord, dare to accuse us of colluding with otherworld gods? What’s the difference between the Abyss Lord and otherworld gods? In my opinion, you’re the one most likely to betray humans!”

Norman Til found it amusing, as if looking at an idiot, and said coldly, “Why did the Abyss Era pass? Why did the Humans Era come? You can’t be ignorant of even this, can you? If the Abyss Lord wanted to regain control of the continent, it would just take a few thoughts. Would He need to collude with me? Would He need any schemes?”

As he spoke, his eyes narrowed, releasing the pressure of a high-level expert without any restraint.

In everyone’s impression, Norman Til had always been moderate, neutral, and humble. Although he was humanity’s highest-level combat force, he had never confronted someone like this before. The aura he suddenly unleashed was too powerful – without any killing intent, yet his gaze filled with murderous intent made people shiver all over.

They also hadn’t expected that Norman Til would reveal such a cold-blooded side just to stand up for the hero.

Fexile was clearly frightened, but he refused to yield, and said stubbornly, “You’re dividing the Alliance, you want humans to fight internally, you’ll become a sinner condemned by history for harming humanity!”

Norman Til seemed to no longer want to waste words with them, only dropping this statement.

“Before the next meeting, prepare your list of crimes yourselves, explain your ancestors’ history, let all of humanity judge and settle accounts. If you can’t do this, I’ll kill all of you.”

Everyone’s pupils shook, and they instantly got goosebumps all over.

What did Norman Til just say?

He… he wanted to kill everyone in the seven great magic families?

“You… you…”

Facing Norman Til who was releasing killing intent, Fexile was sweating profusely, his legs went weak, almost kneeling on the spot, showing extreme terror.

Norman Til suddenly walked one step closer, placed his hand on Fexile’s shoulder as he passed by, glancing sideways.

In just an instant, a bloody light bloomed in the depths of his pupils, as if reflecting a forest of corpses and a sea of blood.

The terrifying pressure almost made Fexile break down on the spot.

The several backers behind Fexile didn’t dare to make any moves either, because seven great elves appeared around Norman Til.

If they dared to do anything, they might be killed by the elves before Norman Til even moved.

Elves weren’t human, They didn’t follow human rules, and They had long been dissatisfied with them. If Norman Til gave a nod, They would truly go on a killing spree.

Fexile’s heart pounded violently, his eyes widened, and his body went rigid.

For a full minute before Norman Til left the hall, they didn’t dare make a sound. Only after he left did they dare to breathe heavily.

Everyone’s minds went blank, and it took a long time to process what had happened.

Norman Til had forcefully pressured the spokesperson of the seven great magic families, declaring that if the seven great magic families didn’t comply, he would kill them all. This conflict absolutely couldn’t be resolved now.

Watching Norman Til’s figure disappear, Fexile’s forehead couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat, bringing a bone-chilling coldness, his entire body trembling with fear.

At this point, Fexile understood one thing crystal clear – this madman Norman Til truly intended to oppose the seven great magic families!

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Fexile, who had been at a disadvantage and lost all face, left angrily, leaving behind a group of people looking at each other in dismay, while another group was extremely excited.

A young man immediately said, “Support His Excellency Norman Til! The ancestors of the seven great magic families were treacherous, accumulating family wealth through improper means. Who knows how many vicious methods they’ve used and how many people they’ve harmed over thousands of years. They should be thoroughly investigated, held accountable, and judged!”

Hearing this, some family members present turned pale and trembled.

However, even some elderly people were agreeing.

“His Excellency Norman Til is right. Before dealing with external threats, we must establish internal peace. The seven great magic families could even betray the heroes who saved the world. They are extremely vicious. We must deal with them first, otherwise how can we fight the otherworld gods?”

“That’s right, they couldn’t have only harmed the heroes, there must be many others they’ve harmed, but they’ve covered it up!”

“Over these thousands of years, their crimes must be innumerable, too many to list!”

Some people were filled with righteous indignation, while others frowned deeply.

Supporters of the seven great magic families couldn’t help but speak up, “But it’s also a fact that they’ve protected humans. The seven great magic families are humanity’s shield, we can’t fight otherworld gods without them!”

The young swordsman opposite angrily said, “Nonsense, who knows if they’re secretly colluding with otherworld gods to create dangers, then protecting humans afterward.”

The supporters became even more anxious upon hearing this, saying with a red face. “Absurd! Over eighty percent of the Alliance’s magic stones are provided by the seven great magic families. If not for their support, relying solely on national contributions, the Alliance couldn’t possibly sustain itself. The seven great magic families have devoted themselves to the Alliance. You’re slandering them without evidence – what’s your intention? Haven’t we got enough chaos already!”

The young swordsman became even more worked up, exclaiming excitedly. “Then why don’t you ask how they could possess so many magic stones and mines? A bunch of monopolists talking to us about contributions? What a joke!”

The supporter jumped in agitation. “Don’t be too extreme, kid. The world isn’t so black and white. In any case, even if we want to hold them accountable, it should be after we’ve overcome the otherworld god crisis!”

“That’s bullshit!”

The young swordsman drew his sword with a swish, “Those three otherworld gods outside might well be their doing. After the crisis passes, those looking for trouble would all be dead, then who would dare trouble them?”

In less than three minutes, more and more people joined the argument. Supporters and opponents of the seven great magic families were at daggers drawn, looking like they were about to fight.

In the upper level of the hall, the more experienced elders remained silent.

In the study, the Vice Chairperson wore a heavy expression, waiting several minutes before walking to the Chairperson’s side.

“Chairperson, about Norman Til…”

“I know what you want to say.”

The Vice Chairperson paused for a moment, slowly raising his head.

At this time, the Chairperson stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, his white hair mixed with sunlight, his wrinkled face faintly showing traces of youthful handsomeness.

The Chairperson was over three hundred years old. For a human, this was absolutely considered elderly among the elderly. Very few people could live to over three hundred years, and very few people were willing to live to over three hundred years, because human souls could hardly resist the erosion of time.

The Vice Chairperson didn’t break the silence but waited for the Chairperson to speak.

The Chairperson’s gaze was fixed on some unknown point, his eyes complex, revealing memories as he slowly said, “When I was young, I was saved by Hero Luo Jie many times.”

The Vice Chairperson’s gaze changed slightly. The Chairperson saying this, was he preparing to stand with Norman Til?

The Chairperson said with deep feeling, “I also hope the truth about the heroes can come to light, but the forces covering up the truth are too powerful.”

The Vice Chairperson fell silent, then suddenly said, “Isn’t now the right time?”

The Chairperson shook his head, “Norman Til’s view is correct, but the trouble with this matter is there’s no evidence. Five of the seven heroes’ disappearances were related to them, but each disappearance happened at least a thousand years ago. No matter how certain Norman Til is, he has no concrete evidence, and they’ve surely destroyed it all.”

The Vice Chairperson: “Although that’s true, perhaps Norman Til has some means of tracing back?”

The Chairperson’s gaze changed slightly, “Let’s hope so.”

The second meeting would be tonight. As long as neither side started killing in the council, he felt everything could still be discussed.

At this point, the Vice Chairperson had a question but wasn’t sure if he should ask.

The Chairperson noticed his expression from the corner of his eye and casually said, “Go ahead, ask whatever you want to know.”

The Vice Chairperson raised his eyes and asked, “Did the Chairperson know about the problems with the seven great magic families long ago?”

The Chairperson fell silent, his eyes complex, and said, “I knew some things. Living to my age, you learn some things even if you don’t want to know them. In any case, sometimes the firefighters are the arsonists, and I was too powerless – neither having the strength to investigate nor the ability to resolve it.”

His implication was very clear, or rather, he had almost stated it outright.

The Vice Chairperson’s expression became grave, and he couldn’t help but sigh. “The Alliance was clearly established to protect humans, and indeed most people are righteous individuals willing to sacrifice everything for ideals, yet why do those people exist?”

It was a naive question, but coming from his thirty-seven-year-old mouth, it carried a different feeling.

The Chairperson slowly raised his gaze, looking toward the more distant horizon, “I also want to know why.”

Why was there evil within good?

Why was there good within evil?

Why was good sometimes built upon evil, and evil sometimes built upon good?

Why couldn’t things be simply clear-cut, making it easy for everyone to judge at a glance?

The Chairperson said meaningfully, “When establishing an organization, with many people, bad people will always mix in among the masses.”

The Vice Chairperson instinctively said, “That’s why we need correction mechanisms like the judgment council, isn’t it?”

But as soon as he spoke, he stopped himself, because wasn’t he part of the judgment council mechanism?

Then as part of the correction mechanism, did he dare to make corrections?

The answer was no.

Because he had a family to support, and if he went against behemoths like the seven great magic families, he and his family would all die without burial grounds.

Justice or family – which weighed more?

The Chairperson seemed to see his concerns and didn’t question him too much.

In any case, the Chairperson personally hoped more that Norman Til would defeat the seven great magic families.

Because some things needed to be destroyed before they could be rebuilt, some things deserved to be swept into history’s garbage heap.

But the concern was that there might be some force pulling strings behind all this.

The Chairperson frowned deeply, he vaguely felt that it would be an extremely evil force.

****

Meanwhile, at the Alliance Observation Bureau.

Simon stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze directed toward the large light sphere in the center of the hall.

Specifically, it was a spherical surface with a radius of about twenty meters, simulating the situation above the continent in real-time.

Near the continent, the spherical area was filled with seas of clouds, and above the clouds were circles of vortexes.

These vortexes were like pupils, expanding or contracting, some moving slowly, some quickly, rotating frantically, affecting their surroundings.

And in fact, most of them were pupils, coming partly from gods and partly from abnormal creatures from subspace.

Among all the vortexes, the most striking ones were the three black vortexes that covered the spherical surface.

Without doubt, they belonged to the three otherworld gods.