Chapter 2774 Arriving At The Osteri World
Chapter 2774 Arriving At The Osteri World
Time passed quickly, and soon, the moment arrived for them to reach the next world.
"It's close," Lin Mu murmured, his gaze locked on the distance, sensing the spatial barrier ahead.
But this was no ordinary barrier. It was a world barrier—an invisible, protective veil that safeguarded an entire realm.
"Everyone, get ready!" Lin Mu called out.
Meng Bai, engrossed in writing on a talisman, jolted at his master's sudden command.
Daoist Chu and Monk Hushu stepped out of their rooms, their robes flowing as they approached Lin Mu, forming a solemn circle.
"How long?" Daoist Chu asked, his deep-set eyes reflecting curiosity.
"Five," Lin Mu replied, his voice calm.
"Five what?" Meng Bai blinked, confused.
"Four... three... two... one!" Lin Mu counted down.
Before Meng Bai could react, the world around him erupted in blinding white light. His stomach lurched as the weight of his body vanished into an unsettling void.
'Not this sensation again,' Meng Bai thought, gritting his teeth.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the pressure returned. His feet hit solid ground.
THUD.
This time, he managed to land on his feet, steadying himself.
As his vision cleared, he found himself standing in an enclosed hall—one unlike anything he had ever seen. Lofty marble columns stretched toward an impossibly high, vaulted ceiling, adorned with elaborate frescoes depicting celestial beings. Massive chandeliers of crystal and gold hung like suspended constellations, casting a divine glow over the chamber.
Around him, figures in flowing robes stood in reverent silence. Their attire was resplendent—long, flowing garments of white, crimson, and deep sapphire, embroidered with intricate golden patterns. Hoods draped over their heads, casting solemn shadows over their faces. Some bore heavy golden pendants encrusted with precious gems, while others wore simple cloth belts and rosaries of polished ivory.
Meng Bai's eyes darted across the assembly, fascinated. The people here looked unlike any he had encountered before. Some bore deeply tanned skin, others had the sun-kissed olive tones of those accustomed to open fields, while a few were pale as moonlight. Their features were strikingly varied—some with high, pronounced cheekbones and angular jaws, others with broader, square faces.
But what truly captivated him were their hair colors. While black and deep brown were present, he also saw shades of auburn, fiery red, golden blond, and even silver streaks that gleamed under the ambient light.
'Are they even human?' Meng Bai wondered, momentarily overwhelmed.
GRUMBLE.
His stomach twisted violently.
"Not again..." he groaned, realizing what was coming.
UGUAAAA!
His body convulsed, and before he could stop himself, he spewed out the contents of his stomach onto the pristine marble floor. The rich scent of incense and myrrh in the air was instantly tainted by the acrid stench of vomit.
A ripple of discomfort passed through the robed figures as they stepped back, their expressions barely concealed beneath their hoods.
Meng Bai wiped his mouth, mortified.
"Two minutes," Daoist Chu remarked dryly. "Better than last time."
Lin Mu stepped forward, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I'm..." Meng Bai swayed slightly. "Not okay." The world spun around him.
"Here," Lin Mu said, handing him a small vial. "Drink this."
Meng Bai grimaced but obediently swallowed the liquid. A cool, minty sweetness spread through his mouth and down his throat, instantly refreshing his senses.
Within moments, the nausea faded, and his strength returned.
"That was incredible!" Meng Bai exclaimed, blinking in astonishment. "Why didn't you give me this the first time?"
"Because it only works once you're already sick," Lin Mu explained. "Prevention is always better than the cure."
Before Meng Bai could respond, a stern voice interrupted.
"Ahem!"
One of the robed officials stepped forward, his golden sash marking him as a higher authority. His piercing blue eyes regarded them with measured patience.
"If you would, please proceed to the immigration area." His voice was smooth yet firm, brooking no argument carrying a strange accent they were not used to.
Lin Mu gave a short nod. "Of course. Let's go."
They exited the chamber and entered a grand corridor. Sunlight filtered through breathtaking stained-glass windows, casting prismatic patterns on the polished marble floor. Along the sides, grand statues stood on elevated pedestals, each carved with divine precision.
Some depicted armored warriors, their spears piercing monstrous creatures; others portrayed hooded figures with hands raised in solemn prayer. The most awe-inspiring were the celestial sculptures—angels with enormous feathered wings, eyes cast toward the heavens.
Lin Mu studied the architecture, marveling at its beauty.
"This world is certainly different," he murmured.
Daoist Chu walked beside him, nodding. "Yes. And before we go any further, there's something you should know."
"What is it?" Lin Mu asked.
Daoist Chu glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then spoke in a hushed tone. "The Osteri World isn't like the Rust Sky World or the Jui World. The people here—their culture, their beliefs—are entirely distinct. You need to tread carefully."
Lin Mu's eyes narrowed. "How so?"
Daoist Chu gestured for them to continue walking as he explained. "You've already noticed their appearance and clothing. But more importantly, their cultivation is different from ours."
Lin Mu frowned. "They don't cultivate Qi?"
"They do," Daoist Chu said slowly. "Just not in the way we do."
Lin Mu's mind raced. "Like demons? Or body cultivators?"
Daoist Chu shook his head. "Not exactly. Let me first tell you about the ruling power here—the Osteri Divine Order."
The name alone set Lin Mu on edge.
"They are the supreme authority. There are no sects, no rival empires. Their rule is absolute. But they aren't an empire, nor a sect." Daoist Chu's voice dropped to a near whisper. "They are a religious order."
Lin Mu felt a shiver run down his spine. "A religious order?"
Daoist Chu nodded grimly. "They devote themselves to a single deity. They call it the Supreme God. And their cultivation?" He let out a breath. "It is granted through their faith. The more devout they are, the stronger their divine power becomes."
Lin Mu exhaled slowly.
The Osteri World was unlike anything he had encountered before. And he had a feeling that their journey here was only beginning.