The Witcher: Start with the Lord Marrying a Wife.

Chapter 565 Awakening of the Ruins
Deep in the shadows.

Countless eyes were fixed on the location of the Star-Eyed Clan.

This war is far from over.

An even bigger storm is quietly approaching.
The first rays of dawn pierced through the thin mist and fell upon the ice field.

It reflects a silvery-blue world.

David and Lena stood on high ground overlooking the entire camp.

The morning breeze caressed their faces.

But it couldn't dispel the lingering worry in my heart.

"The enemy will not give up easily."

David said in a deep voice.

"They have demonstrated methods to possess powers that transcend common sense."

We must find a solution as soon as possible.

Lena nodded.

She closed her eyes and sensed the remaining sacred energy within her body.

That power was as dazzling as the stars.

Yet it also carries an indescribable heaviness.

"The sacred object has been awakened."

But it has not yet fully awakened.

We need time.

more importantly.

We need to find the legendary Star Priest.

Only they can guide this power to its peak.

"Star Priest."

A determined glint flashed in David's eyes.

That means we have to cross into the unknown.

Step into the ancient ruins in search of clues.

at the same time.

In the desolate ruins in the distance.

A massive stone gate stood silently.

Ancient runes are engraved on the door.

That is information left behind by an era of forgetting.

Only the purest and most powerful souls can unlock this secret.

A team of assassins, clad in dark armor and with their cloaks fluttering in the wind, silently infiltrated the ruins.

They were agile and equipped with advanced concealed weapons.

Every step revealed discipline and ruthless coldness.

They were the vanguard force sent by that mysterious figure—

They came to reactivate the true power of the Pillar God.

The assassin leader slowly reached out and touched the stone door.

A surge of cold energy flowed through my fingertips.

The runes seemed to respond to his call and began to glow faintly.

But at the same time, a warning mark suddenly appeared.

He was forced back several steps.

"It seems that the stone gate is even more secure than rumored."

The leader sneered.

"one way or another.

We cannot stop.

When the pillar god truly revives.

This is our era!

on the other side.

The reconnaissance team ventured deep into the border wilderness.

They discovered that the area was shrouded in a strange black mist.

And from within the fog, a strange, whispering sound could be faintly heard.

The soldiers felt the psychological pressure and fear creeping in.

But it relies on strong will.

They still brought the intelligence back to the camp.

Faced with a series of unsettling signals.

David summoned his generals and sorcerers to discuss countermeasures.

They decided to split their forces into two groups:

A group of people guarded the core position and stabilized the defense.

Another group formed an expedition team to search for the ruins of the Star Priests.

And they attempted to unravel the mystery of the sacred object's seal.

On the eve of departure.

Lena specially gave David a small, broken crystal that still emitted a faint glow.

"This is a part of the soul key left behind by ancient priests."

It can help you enter the core of the ruins.

But remember.

This road is fraught with danger.

Perhaps you cannot predict the future.

David accepted the crystal.

He gave Lena a deep look:
No matter how dangerous.

I will do everything in my power to protect this land.

We will also protect you and everyone who trusts us.

The expedition team slowly set off in the morning light.

David led three experienced warriors and two mages.

They bear the heavy responsibility of finding the ruins of the Star Priest and breaking the seal on the sacred artifact.

Lena stayed behind at the camp.

Continue researching the relic fragments and guarding the rear.

along the way.

The ice field gradually transformed into a barren wasteland.

The air was thick with decay and death.

Beneath our feet were black stone slabs covered in cracks.

Those are relics and remains left by an ancient civilization.

Every step.

They all seem to be stepping into the abyss of history.

It inspires awe.

"look here!"

A mage points to the runes on the stone slab.

"These runes are similar to the ancient script on the sacred objects."

I guess this path leads to the main hall.

David nodded.

He immediately ordered everyone to proceed carefully.

They strayed from the mainstream path.

To avoid being ambushed by potentially lurking assassins or dark creatures.

at the same time.

The assassin squad also arrived at the perimeter of the ruins.

They used the Dark Stealth technique to silently dismantle the traps.

And they attempted to break the seal on the giant stone gate.

The leader's face revealed impatience:

"Don't let these protective measures stop us from moving forward."

We need the power of the Pillar God's complete resurgence.

however.

When they forcefully apply force.

A massive backlash of energy suddenly erupted.

They were knocked back several meters.

The ancient runes on the door shimmered with azure light.

A voice seemed to come from the depths of an ancient abyss:

"There is no mandate for a Star Priest."

Cannot be opened.

The assassin leader snorted coldly:
"In that case.

We'll go find that so-called 'Star Priest' ourselves!"

Back to the expedition team.

They finally discovered the entrance to a half-ruined hall—

That was the legendary place where the Star Priests once lived and cultivated.

They lit magical torches that burned with blue flames.

We carefully stepped into the grand hall, which, though eroded by time, remained solemn and majestic.

The interior of the main hall is covered with relief murals.

It depicts events such as the descent of stars, the establishment of cosmic order, and the fall of the pillar god.

The vivid images tell the truth behind this conflict.

This also hints at the location of the key ceremony.

While everyone was focused on the research.

A deep rumble came from the depths of the main hall.

The walls began to crack.

Countless dust particles and fragments fell.

In the shadows.

A blurry figure gradually appeared—

Those were the legendary descendants of the Star Priests.

A person dressed in a silver-gray robe, with eyes as deep and calm as the night sky.

"I've finally waited for you all."

His voice was calm yet carried an irresistible authority.

"If the power of the pillar god is regained..."

It will bring about an irrecoverable disaster.

However, if guided in the right way.

Perhaps this disaster can be reversed.

I will help you complete the awakening of the sacred relic.

But the cost will be beyond your imagination.

The atmosphere of battle suddenly became tense both inside and outside the main hall.

The air was thick with tension and a sense of crisis.

David exchanged a resolute look with the descendant of the Star Priest.

They then quickly set up a defensive formation.

The mages released a protective barrier.

The murals and mysterious runes behind him were enveloped in a pale blue glow.

The assassin squad infiltrated the hall like ghosts.

They were silent.

However, they quickly dispersed.

The leader led several elite assassins straight to the main hall where the priest was located.

The rest of the group set up an ambush in the corridor.

They attempted to cut off reinforcements.

"Keep the formation!"

David gave the order.

"The mages prepared to cast a binding spell."

We cannot allow them to approach the Star Priest so easily!

The team moved forward slowly.

Each sharp blade gleamed with a cold light.

The Dark Stealth spell, combined with illusions, confuses the exploration team.

The mages cast elemental magic.

Weave fire and frost into a shield.

At the same time, the power of the stars was used to condense mysterious runes to block the enemy's advance.

The battle was fierce and brutal.

The assassins were agile.

Every raid was fraught with danger.

David brandished the greatsword.

A bloody path was carved out of the chaos.

His powerful roar inspired his companions.

It also intimidated the enemy. At the same time...

The descendant of the Star Priest did not back down.

He silently recited an ancient incantation.

Blue energy surged continuously within my body.

He held the Soul Key high above his head.

A dazzling beam of light burst forth from the crystal.

It echoes the fragments of the sacred relic.

that moment.

The reliefs on the walls of the main hall suddenly came to life.

Countless flowing starlight converged into a giant energy vortex.

To dispel the chaos.

The assassin leader was knocked back several steps by the powerful shockwave.

His eyes widened in anger:

"I never expected you had such a trump card!"

When the battle reaches its climax.

An unusual fluctuation came from deep underground.

The ground shook violently.

The foundation of the main hall seems to have been activated by some ancient force.

Dust flying.

A long-hidden stone door slowly opened.

A dark passage leading to an unknown abyss was revealed.

"This is."

Lena rushed over anxiously.

"The entrance to the legendary 'Source of Stars'!"

That is where the primordial power resides.

But it is also extremely dangerous!

The entrance to the Dark Abyss resembles a gaping maw.

It devoured every ray of light from the expedition team.

David gripped the Soul Key tightly in his hand.

He led everyone slowly into the unknown darkness.

Lena followed closely behind.

She used the remaining magical torches to dispel the heavy shadows around her.

The air inside the passage was cold and damp.

The ground was slippery and covered with ancient runes.

These runes seem to be silently telling the secret of the sealing and protection of the Star Source.

The descendants of the Star Priests chanted ancient incantations in a low voice.

The entire passageway was suddenly bathed in a faint blue light.

Light the way for them.

"This is no ordinary place."

The mage Eileen looked around warily.

“Every step is fraught with challenges and dangers.”

however.

Just as they went deeper, hundreds of meters in.

A hard impact sound came from behind—

The assassin squad has caught up to the entrance.

They used stealth and magical traps to block their escape route.

A close-quarters battle is inevitable.

David swung his sword and killed several assassins.

But their numbers always outnumbered them.

Just when the situation was critical.

One of the assassins suddenly showed a strange expression.

Fear and struggle flashed in his eyes.

"No, we cannot let the Lord succeed!"

He then turned and attacked his companion.

This caused chaos.

This sudden internal conflict caught both sides off guard.

This also gave the expedition team a brief respite.

The descendants of the Star Priests took the opportunity to guide everyone through an energy barrier.

The crack was temporarily sealed.

"This power comes from the depths of the source."

But at the same time.

That evil is also awakening.

His face was solemn.

"We must find the core quickly."

Otherwise, it will be too late.

Deep into the tunnel.

They arrived at a huge circular hall—

The location of the Star Source.

A giant crystal suspended in mid-air emitted a dazzling blue light.

It beats with rhythmic energy like the heart of the universe.

Around the crystal.

It is an intricate and vibrant array of magic.

It rotates and flows continuously.

It is as wonderful as a microcosm of the universe's operating mechanism.

"The power of the sacred relic is contained within this place."

"Rena said softly."

"But if you touch it rashly."

This will trigger a catastrophic response.

Just as they were preparing to perform the ritual to unseal the sacred object's energy.

A low growl came from the other end of the hall.

A twisted, dark aura emerged.

A gigantic monster, formed from shadows and void, suddenly appeared.

It is a guardian that has been corrupted by the power of the pillar god's corruption.

Its mission is to destroy everything.

Inside the Starry Spring Hall.

The battle between darkness and light has reached its climax.

The monster, formed from shadows and void, let out a deafening roar.

The enormous claws sliced ​​through the air.

With a murderous intent to destroy everything, it rushed straight at David.

David dodged the attacks with his agility.

He swung his sword to slash at the monster's body, which was made of void.

But with each swing of its claws, it tore apart pieces of space in the air.

“Everyone be careful.

It can disrupt the laws of space!

The sorceress Eileen loudly reminded him.

The descendant of the Star Priest calmly gazed at the crystal.

He chanted an ancient incantation.

The Soul Key emitted a dazzling light.

Resonate with the suspended crystal.

Lena, on the other hand, manipulates elemental magic.

A protective barrier was woven at the edge of the battlefield.

Buy time for your teammates.

Just as everyone was putting up a fierce resistance.

David suddenly felt a strong vibration coming from the Soul Key.

A familiar and profound voice echoed in his mind:
"Brave people."

You have touched the truth.

But the fall of the Pillar God was not accidental.

Instead, they were controlled by the ancient gods.

They are attempting to reshape the world order through this.

"Ancient gods?"

Lena exclaimed.

"Could that be the origin of the source of the power of the Pillar God?"

The descendant of the Star Priest nodded:

"That's right.

They used the pillar god as a puppet.

It caused conflict and destruction.

In order to control the energy of the universe.

But the true mastermind is hidden deep within this power—

It is a consciousness that transcends time and space.

They infiltrate reality through dreams, illusions, and even human will.

The monster grew increasingly ferocious.

A fierce attack interrupted the conversation.

He knocked David back several steps.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

His gaze grew increasingly resolute:

"No matter who's behind it all."

We must stop them!

The group regrouped.

Infuse all power into the Soul Key and the levitation crystal.

Accompanied by the final incantation of the descendant of the Star Priest.

A dazzling beam of light burst forth from the center of the crystal.

Like the heart of the universe releasing purifying power.

The guardian screamed as it gradually disintegrated into countless fragments of light.

It was engulfed by the purifying power.

But that's it.

Countless transparent ripples spread outwards from the hall—

Those are fragments of the souls of people who were once controlled by ancient consciousness, or who were corrupted or exploited.

They quietly recounted their stories and their pain.

The hope is that this will serve as a warning to living humanity to prevent it from repeating the same mistakes.

"This is a warning."

It is also a form of atonement.

"The descendant of the Star Priest said softly."

"Only by truly understanding and respecting the laws of the universe can we achieve this."

Only then can we safeguard the future.

As the last wisp of shadow dissipated.

Peace returned to the hall.

The suspended crystal slowly descended.

It merges with the Soul Key to form a completely new relic.

Its pure energy will become an important barrier against darkness in the future.

The expedition team faced a life-or-death ordeal.

They not only protected the world.

It also solved a mystery that spanned a thousand years.

Just as they were preparing to return to the ground.

The assassin, now a traitor, approached silently.

He handed a scroll to David:
"This is a secret document I stole from the mastermind."
Your mission.

It's not over yet.

The morning light was still faint.

The earth was shrouded in a thin mist.

The distant horizon was tinged with dark red.

It was as if a blood-red dawn was slowly approaching.

The expedition team has just returned from the Abyss of the Star Source.

(End of this chapter)