NOVPUB"Brother Locke, this is closely tied to you. Look over there—that will be your domain in the future."
"Really? So that’s how it is."
Locke’s face lit up with a look of realization, but deep down, he couldn’t suppress his excitement.
Standing here, he could clearly sense a faint connection to that newly emerging area. He could even feel the transformation and evolution occurring within the plane itself, progressing in a positive direction.
"Brother Locke, no need to rush. The evolution of the new area will take some time. Today, however, is a joyous occasion for you, and your elder brother must celebrate it with you. This way, please."
"I’ll trouble you then, Workshop Master Wu Lei."
"You’re about to become a Great Workshop Master yourself, so perhaps it’s time to change how you address me. From now on, let’s call each other brothers."
"Wouldn’t that be improper?"
"Not at all. It’s decided then."
Unable to refuse Wu Lei’s enthusiastic invitation, Locke could only go along with him.
The two made their way to Wu Lei’s residence, located at the highest point of the mountain. It was far more spacious than Locke’s, surrounded by barriers that shielded it from sight, making it impossible to see inside from the outside.
Wu Lei had laid out an extravagant feast, with fine wine and food filling the table and enchanting dancers singing and dancing to their hearts’ content.
"Brother Locke, speak honestly—how have I treated you over the years?" After several rounds of drinking, Wu Lei spoke boldly, spurred on by the alcohol.
"Of course, you’ve treated me exceptionally well. Thinking back to when I first arrived at the Endless Spirit Workshop, it was you who personally lifted me up, step by step. Later, you were always tolerant and helpful. I’ve always been deeply grateful in my heart, but I’ve never found the chance to repay you."
Locke spoke sincerely.
Over the years, the two had indeed gotten along well. Wu Lei was never meddlesome or difficult, and Locke carried out his tasks cleanly and efficiently. Neither had ever caused trouble for the other.
"Ha! I knew you were someone who remembers gratitude. If, in the future, I need a hand, I hope you won’t forget what you’ve said today."
Wu Lei was very satisfied with Locke’s response and hinted at something more.
"Of course, you can count on me, brother."
Locke didn’t hesitate, and the two enjoyed a lively conversation over the banquet.
Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, two months had passed.
During this time, Locke had grown accustomed to the power of the Ancient King level, and the Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill added to the Endless Spirit Workshop had fully condensed, revealing an entirely new area.
One day, he felt a powerful summons and immediately descended the mountain with his two guardians.
"I was wrong! I’ll never commit sins again!"
"I deserve to die! Let me die!"
"Ahhh—so painful—damn it—bastard—it hurts so much!"
"My lord, save me! I’ll do anything to serve you, just save me!"
At the foot of the mountain, wails and howls filled the air. The cries came from beneath the rolling Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill.
Hearing the sounds, everyone else turned a blind eye, except for Dante, who kept trembling uncontrollably. He had experienced it firsthand, and that pain was something he could never forget. Otherwise, with his fierce nature, he wouldn’t have submitted so easily, even if much of his strength had been diminished.
"Stop shaking," Martin said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I-I-I can’t help it," Dante replied, his face contorted with fear, unable to suppress his reaction.
"Pathetic," Martin scolded in irritation.
Initially, the two shared only a tenuous connection, but over the years, this bond had evolved into "One Body Two Manifestations," making them existences that prospered and suffered together.
Under Locke’s leadership, the trio pressed forward, heading toward the newly born domain.
The layout of this world was straightforward. At its center was the Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill, serving as the core. Surrounding it were mountain ridges and peaks that encased the world. The inner region judged the spirits of sin, while the outer region was designated for living, administration, and cultivation.
"Would you like to follow me for a closer look?"
"Yes."
"No."
Beneath the newly condensed Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill, there were no spirits of sin, and its rotation was unusually slow. Sensing an impatient summons from above, Locke turned to his two subordinates and asked.
Their responses were entirely opposite. Dante shook his head fiercely, his fear written all over his expression.
"Pathetic," Martin muttered.
"If you’re so brave, then keep up. Don’t let your legs go soft later."
"That’s impossible. I’m not that pathetic."
Locke didn’t force Dante and quickly approached the Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill. Seeing this, Martin immediately followed.
The Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill was only slightly shorter than the surrounding peaks, but in terms of weight and majesty, it far surpassed them.
The two could feel the oppressive force emanating from above, as though the mill could descend at any moment and grind them into dust.
"Can I change my mind?"
Martin felt the pressure more keenly, glancing at Locke. When he saw Locke’s calm demeanor, he realized he was the only one suffering and began to regret his own curiosity.
"Too late. If you back out, I’ll have to waste time pulling you out from under the Sin Extinguishing Giant Mill later," Locke said.
Hearing this, Martin sighed helplessly but had no choice but to follow, his heart in turmoil from the oppressive force around him. 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝖈𝖔𝔪
If he were truly crushed beneath the mill, the consequences would be unthinkable. No wonder those spirits of sin screamed so miserably.
Locke raised his hands, and in his left appeared a miniature version of the Sin Extinguishing Mill, while in his right emerged a pale, elegant tome.
These two treasures were products of his cultivation of the four secret techniques from the "Sin Extinguishing Heavenly Scripture." Through two of these techniques, he had condensed these artifacts. The first was the Sin Extinguishing Earth Mill, imbued with the Power of Extinguishing Sin.
The second was the Judgement Purification Scripture, brimming with the Power of Purification and a profound ability to discern spiritual bodies.
In terms of grade within the Original Force Treasure classification, both the Sin Extinguishing Earth Mill and the Judgement Purification Scripture, like the Mill Master Bracelet, were intermediate-tier Half-Force Treasures.
