Evolution: From Little Devil to Devil Empress

Chapter 397: Inheritance Palace

Liora couldn’t help but frown as she witnessed this scene.

She had previously fought against this sword, yet she hadn’t noticed the remaining soul inside of it.

Obviously, Assira was using it as a way to confirm her earlier words.

And indeed, Liora understood what she was implying.

The treasures hidden within the formations were not left for future generations out of the kindness of one’s heart.

Instead, the people who left them behind hoped to achieve certain goals through them.

For example, the soul of this person was hidden inside the sword.

Although it remained dormant most of the time and had no impact on the outside world, it could potentially kill its wielder if one was not careful.

And who would really be on guard against their own weapon?

"Are these the backup plans left by those beings who departed from this world?"

"Indeed. Every world is the same."

"Although this is not the Demon World and the beings of this world seem more orderly, schemes and conspiracies are bound to appear."

"If one is not cautious enough, taking these treasures will leave them in danger. If they are unlucky, they may die or even be replaced by these beings."

Liora couldn’t help but think about the Reincarnation Fruit she had previously obtained.

Although she had already used her methods to confirm that there was nothing special about it, she secretly vowed to double-check before trying to devour it.

Assira didn’t speak up. She allowed Liora to digest the information.

Then, after she judged that she had given her enough time, she smiled brightly and continued:

"I wish to make a deal with you."

--

In another place within the maze, several Greater Devils had already gathered.

A muscular middle-aged man stood in the lead. If Liora were here, she would realize that he was the Commander of the Universe Chamber of Commerce, the person responsible for the mission.

At this time, he and several other members of his organization stood outside a majestic and luxurious palace.

"The life lamps of Krein and Vorik have been extinguished, while Kade’s is flickering. I’m afraid that he has been seriously injured, if not fallen into a coma.", the Commander stated calmly, his gaze never leaving the massive palace in the distance.

The palace was truly massive, as if made for giants.

Dozens of golden pillars stood along the entrance, while several statues stood around it as if guarding it.

At the moment, the gate was closed. Yet, no one showed the will to push it open.

"I wonder how far Malvek can go. Do you think that he will pass the second trial?", one of the Greater Devils questioned in a low voice, only for his companions to shake their heads.

"I’m afraid not."

"Although his bloodline can allow him to pass the first trial without undergoing an examination, passing the second trial is difficult. He is only at the Indestructible Body stage after all."

Just as this person was about to continue talking, the palace in the distance suddenly shook.

The golden pillars trembled violently as the entrance parted before a non-humanoid figure was thrown out.

One of the Greater Devils instinctively grabbed it.

But the moment his hands landed on the flying figure, a powerful force assaulted his body.

Before he could react, both he and the figure in his hands were knocked back, sent flying across the room.

It was only after traversing several hundred meters that their momentum finally ceased, and the figure’s appearance was revealed.

It was a giant lizard-looking Devil.

His body was riddled with injuries, with large amounts of blood pouring out, while several sword and spear marks were left across his green scales.

Everyone recognized him.

It was Malvek, who was supposed to be undergoing the inheritance palace’s trial.

Everyone understood why he had been thrown out.

Just like most expected, he had failed the second trial.

Moreover, judging from the injuries and his fluctuating aura, it was apparent that he had suffered a lot.

However, no one showed any heartbreak. They knew that although Malvek had suffered, he had at least passed the first trial.

Under the inheritance palace’s rules, he was bound to receive a reward, and, according to their previous attempts, the reward was extremely valuable—at least as precious as the treasures in the formations outside.

The Commander was not disappointed by Malvek’s failure either.

If anything, he was happy that he had at least returned, meaning that they had gathered another treasure.

After all, it was not guaranteed that the examinee would leave the palace alive.

If one were not careful and overestimated themselves and their strength, they would find themselves suffering greatly.

Staring at the bright light within Malvek’s hands, the Commander’s stern face cracked, and a smile appeared.

He reached out and was about to pick it up.

But just when his hand grabbed the light, the sound of footsteps suddenly reached his ears.

The Commander and the Greater Devils looked normal at first.

They believed that another one of their companions had entered the formation, obtained the token, and finally reached this place.

However, the Commander soon discovered something and frowned.

As a True Spirit Greater Devil, he was able to sense that there was not one person approaching, but three.

Instantly, a guess formed in his mind.

"I hope things are not as I think and these people just happen to pass by."

"Although they are bound to find the truth sooner or later, it would be best if it doesn’t happen this soon. We have to at least obtain a couple more treasures.", the Commander murmured.

Unfortunately, things were bound not to go as the Commander hoped.

--

"If you wish to obtain the final inheritance, you’ll have to go through three different trials. A trial of potential, of combat, and of will."

"The first two are self-explanatory. The inheritance palace will test the potential and combat power of people who enter it."

"As for will, it’s slightly more complicated. There can be several different tests."

"Some examinees may have to experience an illusion, others may have to withstand the pressure of a powerhouse for a certain amount of time. Either way, the third trial will test the examinee’s resolve."

Three women walked through the corridor, while the one at the front explained the situation to the two behind her.

Faced with Assira’s words, Liora did not interrupt but listened attentively.

The two had already reached a deal.

Having signed a stringent Devil Contract, Liora understood that Assira would not mislead her.

If anything, she would be as helpful as possible. After all, her goal coincided with Liora’s.

Assira didn’t stop speaking. Meanwhile, the footsteps of their group never paused.

They continued wandering through the corridors according to the route they had memorized, slowly but surely approaching their destination.

The time within the maze was far more difficult to track than outside.

Yet, Liora knew that not even half an hour had passed before the walls around them tilted and the corridor began to expand.

A few minutes later, the already giant corridor seemed to have transformed into an entire world.

Although they were far away, the golden palace was clearly visible to them. The same held true for the figures gathered outside of it.

Liora’s eyes instantly locked onto the Commander. She noticed that he was also staring in their direction, and a frown had appeared on his face.