Chapter 2854  Black Fog Zone

The creature was commander-level.

Moreover, it was a high-strength leader.

In addition, with a large number of Arcane Red Ravens and the Doomsday Grimoire entrenched around the Binding Sarcophagus, the team found it extremely difficult to handle.

Participating in this operation, aside from the direct members of the Holy Court, were also two player squads.

The two player squad captains swapped glances, both realizing the severity of the situation.

Things were not looking good.

Inside the Great Hall, they had encountered only high-tier creatures from the advanced game world–the Arcane World.

“The Binding Sarcophagus is an arcane-type creature, immune to most magical effects. Only melee and ranged physical attacks are effective.”

“This is troublesome. Most of us specialize in magic, and few of us even have melee skills. These arcane creatures are adept at long-range spell-locking, intercepting ranged physical attacks. We’ve already tried several times, and getting into melee range is simply impossible.”

“It is indeed difficult,” said Captain Cullen of one of the player squads, shaking his head. He glanced down the staircase and said, “With just our strength, it’s very difficult to completely destroy the Pillar of Black Fog. Why don’t we wait a little longer? The Federation’s official troops should be gathering soon, right?”

“Don’t get your hopes up. The Western District Federation has always regarded our Holy Court as a thorn in their side. Now that the Sacred Zone has encountered the Black Fog, they couldn’t be happier. Expecting them to come rescue us is pure wishful thinking.”

A trace of worry flashed in Cullen’s eyes as he spoke, “The Black Fog is still spreading. If we don’t resolve this quickly, its strength will continue to increase, and it will eventually affect the believers in the nearby church district.”

“Everyone, don’t act rashly. Let’s take a short break before trying again,” said Archbishop Wolff, raising a hand to stop the players’ discussion. “Later, I will find a way to control the Binding Sarcophagus. Please assist us in clearing out the surrounding Arcane Red Ravens and the Doomsday Grimoire first, reducing the number of arcane creatures. Then we’ll decide on the next step…”

The group fell silent.

It seemed impossible to eliminate the leader beast in one go.

They could only take their time to wear it down.

Hopefully, they wouldn’t be too late.

The players exchanged glances, refraining from further discussion, and began recovering in preparation for another attempt.

Suddenly, two players specializing in perception stood up, looked toward the staircase, and softly warned, “Be careful, someone’s coming.”

People from the Western District Federation?

Immediately, the players became alert, standing up and looking toward the back.

In the distance, through the Black Fog, a lone figure emerged.

A gamer was slowly making his way toward them via the staircase.

Huh?

Was he alone?

The Black Fog zone was teeming with arcane creatures. They themselves had only been able to reach the sixth floor with the help of Holy Court Bishop Wolff.

“Stop! Who are you?”

Fang Heng lifted his head, gazing at the group of players gathered at the sixth-floor entrance.

There were thirty-two in total.

From his perception feedback, aside from the archbishop, who might be a challenge, the rest should be easy to handle.

They appeared to be resting.

Fang Heng quickly assessed the situation.

He and the Holy Court were already mortal enemies–there was no need to hold back.

However, since he couldn’t unleash his full power outside of the game, he needed to be cautious.

Better to test the waters first.

He considered using the aura of sacred study to blend into the team and then look for an opportunity to eliminate them.

Fang Heng scanned his surroundings and asked, “Is Archbishop Wolff here?”

“Who are you? What business do you have with the archbishop?”

“Show some respect!”

Behind the group, Wolff stood up, stopping the players. He stared at Fang Heng for a moment, his eyes flashing with surprise, before respectfully bowing and greeting him, “Archbishop Wolff of the Holy Court greets the Great Sage.”

What the hell? Great Sage?!

Upon hearing Wolff’s words, everyone–including the believers of the Holy Court–looked as if they had just seen a ghost.

Him?

A Great Sage of the Holy Court?!

Beneath the God King were the Twelve Sages.

In the Holy Court, a Great Sage was already considered second only to one, standing above all others.

And now, one had appeared before them just like that.

Moreover, he looked like an ordinary young man?

After the initial shock, someone took the lead, and soon, everyone kneeled on one knee before Fang Heng.

“Greetings, Great Sage!”

Fang Heng was momentarily stunned, his expression of surprise fleeting.

Right!

He suddenly realized that his current identity was Fang Bai!

After the holy weapon’s identity simulation restriction had been lifted, he had deliberately avoided using Fang Heng’s appearance and physique to enter the Western District Federation to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Right now, he was using Fang Bai’s identity.

And in the Holy Realm, Fang Bai was still recognized as a Great Sage!

Wolff lifted his head and explained, “Ever since the Holy Realm crisis was resolved, an order was issued to search for your whereabouts across all worlds. Your appearance has been recorded in cathedrals everywhere. In fact, during our initial investigations, we discovered through system comparisons that you had entered the Western District Federation by train.”

Back when he eliminated Su Ziyue in the Holy Realm, he had left immediately to avoid the Twelve Sages of the Holy Court from noticing any inconsistencies.

Fang Heng had never expected that an archbishop in the real world could recognize him based on his appearance and physique alone.

“You recognize me?”

Wolff lifted his head and explained, “Ever since the Holy Realm crisis was resolved, an order was issued to search for your whereabouts across all worlds. Your appearance has been recorded in cathedrals everywhere. In fact, during our initial investigations, we discovered through system comparisons that you had entered the Western District Federation by train.”

“However, since you neither revealed your identity nor went to the Holy Church, we assumed you had other important matters to handle. To avoid disturbing you, we decided not to interfere.”

Good grief.

So all this time, his movements had been monitored by the Federation.

This revealed just how powerful the Holy Court’s influence was in the real world.

“I see. Rise, all of you.”

Only then did the crowd stand up.

Fang Heng swept his gaze over the players before turning to Archbishop Wolff, remaining silent.

“Great Sage, please rest assured, these people are the Holy Court’s most devoted believers. You can trust them completely.”

“Wolff, how much do you know about the Western District Federation’s Star Map Project?”

“The Star Map Project is a cooperative agreement secretly made between the Western District Federation and the spawns. According to the agreement, the Federation will establish the Star Map Project under the guidance of the spawns while also setting up a frontline to resist the spread of the Black Fog.”

“Is that so? That doesn’t sound too bad, and it doesn’t seem to affect our Holy Court.”

“Great Sage, you may not be aware,” Wolff said, shaking his head. “This was a last resort. The spawns are a race that integrates technology with the mind. They have always been staunch technologists, and there has never been any possibility of cooperation between us and them.”

“Moreover, the spawns’ true intention in building the Star Map is not just for protection. Once the Star Map is fully constructed, our entire world will fall under their surveillance, and the Spawns will gain complete control over it.”

“At that point, the Holy Court may be forcibly expelled by the Spawns.”

“Great Sage.” Player squad captain Cullen clasped his fists toward Fang Heng and said, “It’s not just that. Recently, we’ve also discovered that the Western District Federation is secretly colluding with the spawns to stimulate the Black Fog, trying to accelerate its spread and put more of the population in life-threatening danger.”