At that moment, something terrifying became clear.

Max's bloodline was not just powerful.

It was dominant.

It was absolute.

Not only did it possess the ability to awaken itself without needing the Inheritance Tower, but it also had the power to force evolution upon others, to change and strengthen an entire bloodline across a continent with a single touch.

He hadn't simply triggered an evolution.

He had ascended an entire guild to a new level.

Even the Old Saintess, one of the most powerful figures of the Black Lotus Guild, had found her own Saintess Bloodline evolving into that of a Progenitor—something that was supposed to be impossible.

If Max's bloodline could do that to an entire guild, then what else was it capable of?

"This is the Western Branch of the Black Lotus Guild," Klaus said as they stepped into the city's heart, their arrival immediately drawing the attention of several robed figures lurking in the shadows.

From the darkness, a middle-aged man with sharp features and greying hair stepped forward. The moment he saw Klaus, his eyes widened, and without hesitation, he dropped to his knees.

"I have seen Master Klaus!" His voice echoed through the underground halls, filled with unwavering respect.

Klaus merely sighed, rubbing his temples. "Get up, Alvin. There's no need for that."

The man—Alvin—rose, but the sheer reverence in his posture remained. His eyes darted toward the rest of the group, lingering for a second on Max, but he said nothing. Instead, he took a deep breath and spoke in a hushed, almost reverent tone.

"Master Klaus... something happened four months ago. Something we still cannot explain."

Klaus crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Go on."

Alvin's fingers curled into tight fists as though he were recalling an event that had completely shattered his understanding of reality. "Four months ago, every single member of the Black Lotus Guild in this branch—no matter their strength, no matter their status—experienced an evolution in their bloodline. It was instantaneous. One moment, we were the same as always. The next, our bodies were flooded with an overwhelming power."

Max remained silent, his gaze sharp. 'So it reached all the branches, even here?'

Alvin continued, his voice trembling slightly. "At first, we thought it was an attack. A curse. But then we realized—our bloodlines had not just strengthened. They had changed. The bloodline we once carried... it was gone. Replaced with something far superior."

He looked directly at Klaus now, his voice lowering into a whisper. "Master Klaus, this was a miracle."

Klaus exhaled through his nose, the corner of his lips twitching into a knowing smile. "I know."

Max glanced at Klaus out of the corner of his eye. The old man looked way too calm about all of this.

Alvin, however, wasn't done. "Ever since then, the power balance in the West Region has begun shifting. Our enemies sense something is different. Some fear us. Others want to challenge us. And then... there are those who wish to know the source of our evolution."

Klaus nodded as though he had already anticipated this. "I see. That was to be expected." He then gestured toward Max, Callie, and the others. "Provide them with a place to stay. They are not to be disturbed."

Alvin turned toward the group, finally addressing them directly. "Please, follow me."

The group followed Alvin deeper into the underground city, walking through narrow alleyways lined with stone-carved buildings. The scent of burning incense filled the air, mingling with the ever-present dampness of being underground.

Eventually, they arrived at a secluded section of the city. A small yet lavish villa sat atop an elevated platform, accessible by a single stone staircase.

It was a traditional structure, blending both ancient architecture and modern cultivation aesthetics. The doors were made of dark wood, engraved with the Black Lotus insignia, and the walls were lined with intricate carvings of dragons and celestial beasts.

Alvin gestured toward it. "This is where you all will be staying."

Max raised an eyebrow. "This place looks too high-class for us."

Alvin shook his head. "This is the Envoy's Villa—the resting place for those who come from the Main Branch of the Black Lotus Guild. It is only fitting that you stay here, as you are all envoys of the Main Branch." He then turned back to Klaus, his expression serious. "Shall we?"

Klaus paused for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against his arm as he considered his next move. His gaze flickered with amusement before he finally spoke.

"I'll be there in an hour or so," he said casually, stretching his shoulders. "Those old bones have already waited four months. I'm sure they can handle a little more."

Alvin nodded without hesitation. "As you command, Master." With those words, he vanished into the shadows, his presence fading as if he had never been there.

Klaus turned his attention back to Max and Callie, his expression unreadable. "Alright, let's go," he said. "I imagine the two of you have quite a few questions for me. I'll answer them—quickly."

Max and Callie exchanged a glance, an unspoken agreement passing between them before they moved without hesitation, striding into the villa with a sense of urgency.

Carl and Nick followed closely behind, their footsteps barely making a sound against the polished wooden floor.

Klaus lingered for a moment, a knowing smile tugging at his lips as he watched them disappear inside.

Then, at his own unhurried pace, he made his way into the villa after them.

***

The air in the villa was still.

Max and Callie sat on opposite couches, their gazes locked onto Klaus. He sat in his chair like a king on his throne, one leg crossed over the other, fingers lazily scrolling through his holowatch.

For a moment, silence stretched between them.

Then—

Klaus spoke, voice low and indifferent. "Ask."

Callie didn't hesitate. "Will you be coming with us to the Mourning Depths?"

Max shot her a glance. Strange question.

Klaus finally looked up, a lazy smirk pulling at his lips. "Of course." He stretched, exhaling as if bored. "But I won't be with you kids."

Max frowned. "You're coming too?" His voice sharpened. "I thought it was just me and Callie."

Klaus chuckled, shaking his head. "You thought wrong."

Then—

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, gaze locking onto Max. "There will be many teams entering the Mourning Depths. Each led by floor leaders of the Divine Palace." A pause. His voice dropped lower. "And then there's the special team—the one reserved for the peak experts of Valora Continent."

Max stiffened.

The Divine Palace?

His lips parted slightly. His mind spun.

"What is the Divine Palace?" His voice was steady, his tone curious. "And why haven't I heard of it before?"

Klaus leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Divine Palace," he said, voice slow, deliberate, like he was savoring the weight of the words. "They're not from the Lower Domain." He let that sink in. "They hail from the Middle Domain—an organization that concerns itself only with the forbidden zones scattered across the Lower Domain. They don't interfere in wars, politics, or power struggles. If it doesn't involve a forbidden zone, they do not care."

Max's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are they strong?"

Klaus chuckled. A quiet, almost condescending sound.

"Let's just say," he murmured, "that no power in the Lower Domain is foolish enough to mess with them."

Max absorbed that information, filing it away. The Divine Palace wasn't just some overseer—they were something untouchable.

But there was something far more pressing on his mind.

"The Mourning Depths," he said, cutting straight to the point. "Why does everyone care so much about it? I take it this isn't just about treasures. There has to be something else—something big enough to lure experts from all over the Lower Domain, despite the insane dangers this place is known for."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay