Chapter 9 Sanctuary (Reupdate)

In fact, the photon cannon developed by Shen You had been significantly weakened compared to the original version. If he were to transform and release the Specium Ray himself, the average temperature would be around 500,000 degrees. Although the power of the beam mainly came from the patented "Specium Material" of the Ultra race, temperature didn't represent strength but could reflect the intensity of the beam's output.

For instance, the maximum output of the photon cannon was around 100,000 degrees, much weaker than if he were to do it himself. However, it was enough to surprise the 9,000-year-old elder beside him. The old man appeared calm, wearing an expression of "I, the Wizard Shazam, have seen everything," but inside, he was far from calm. 

During his prime, he could cast spells of equal or greater power. After all, he had once been a top-tier mage. But when did mortals start possessing such formidable power?

The old wizard gave Shen You a glance, remained silent, and turned to the dead-end wall, feeling around as if he had lost his car keys.

"What did you lose?" Shen You asked.

"Ha! Do you know who I am? I am the wise wizard, possessing the pinnacle of wisdom in the world. How could I lose anything?" The old man huffed proudly. But then, after a pause, his tone softened, "...Sometimes I just misplace things due to old age."

Following the coordinates marked by his bracelet, Shen You silently walked to one side and pressed a seemingly empty wall. Instantly, a faint, transparent circle of light appeared on the wall. 

"Is this what you were looking for?"

The old man's eyes widened in surprise that Shen You had so easily found the door he had forgotten. But he quickly concealed his surprise and cleared his throat. 

"Ahem...I knew it was there. I was just confirming the safety of the surroundings."

"I thought so too," Shen You agreed sincerely.

"This is the door to the Rock of Eternity, the throne that guards all the magic in the world," the old wizard said, stepping in front of the door. "Beasts and evil spirits aim to usurp that position while I am weak. If they succeed, the entire world will be plunged into chaos, and all mortals will be engulfed in a hellish terror. The temple is now occupied by many dangerous spirits, but they will never succeed."

Shen You's eyes lit up. Did that mean there were loads of experience points waiting behind this door?

The wizard strode through the portal, entering a void. He landed on invisible ground, surrounded by an indistinguishable chaos with no apparent direction or distinction. The old wizard turned to see Shen You had followed him through the door.

"I'll handle the rest. Thanks for your help, but you can leave now."

Shen You laughed, "Are you sure?"

Wasn't this the same person who had nearly self-destructed facing a low-level demon spirit moments ago?

"Of course!" The old man was proud. "I am not just any wizard, but 'the wizard.' I have guarded the sacred texts for nine thousand years and never needed help!"

The wizard Shazam had every right to his pride. He was a top-tier wizard, a high-ranking mage in the magic community...or at least he used to be. Now he just seemed like a stubborn old man.

"Fine, I'll just follow and watch," Shen You said with a smile.

"Hmph, suit yourself then."

A few minutes later.

The old wizard was running while angrily yelling, with two ferocious demon spirits chasing him like kites. He continuously threw various fancy spells at them, but they were as effective as fireworks.

On the downside, his current magic level was indeed worse than Shen You had expected. These spirits, which he once wouldn't have given a second thought to, were now posing a serious threat.

On the upside, at least his physical condition was still robust. He had run several laps without being caught by the spirits...by the standards of a 9,000-year-old man, that was impressive.

As a kind-hearted Ultraman, Shen You couldn't stand by and watch any longer. After seeing the old man running in circles twice, he flashed forward at super speed, delivering two punches. The spirits didn't even see what happened; they only felt a blur. With two resounding thuds, the spirits were sent flying, embedding into the wall, unable to be pulled out.

The old man collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath and muttering, "Mind your own business. Everything was under my control…"

Shen You laughed. "Come on, if I hadn't stepped in, were you planning to run those spirits to death?"

But he kept a straight face, nodding seriously, and said sincerely, "It was indeed my meddling. The wizard Shazam, renowned throughout the land, surely needs no help from me. I just remembered I left the stove on at home. I'll head back now and wait for your good news."

As he turned to leave, the old wizard panicked, "Hey, wait!"

Shen You stopped and saw the old man's face turn red as he struggled to get the words out. "Well... although it's all under control, if you insist on staying to observe, it wouldn't be unwelcome…"

"No need, I insist on not insisting, I won't trouble you anymore."

The old man grew more anxious and finally, with a look of determination, shouted, "Wait! Okay, I admit it. I am now extremely weak, more powerless than I have ever been. The temple needs my protection, and the demons need to be driven away. But honestly, I don't have much confidence."

Seeing the old man's face grow redder, Shen You added, "Help? You need help?"

The old man's face relaxed in relief. "Yes, that's what I said, not what you said."

Shen You: "..."

Moments later, inside the Rock of Eternity.

"Wizard Shazam is nothing special!" a bull-headed demon spirit exclaimed, standing proudly in the center of the temple.

"If you want to stay alive, stay away from there," a tall, dark figure said coldly.

The bull-headed demon spirit jumped and quickly backed away from the throne, looking fearfully at the shadowy figure. 

"That is the master's seat," the tall shadow said. "When the master returns and finds you sitting there, imagine the consequences."

The bull-headed demon spirit shuddered and fell silent.

Next, the temple doors were suddenly blasted open from the outside.

The wizard Shazam stood at the entrance, surrounded by lightning, staring directly at the tall shadow among the demon spirits.

The demon spirit was surrounded by an eerie darkness, its mere presence showing it was in a different league from the other spirits.

"Ha! Demon spirit Fetos, I should have known you were leading these wretches."

"Well, well, wizard," Fetos said leisurely, "not long for this world, are you?"

The old wizard stood tall. "I am the wizard Shazam, guardian of the Rock of Eternity, the mightiest of all magic! As long as I draw breath, you will never succeed. I...I... I can't keep lying. Kid, when are you going to act?"

"Huh?" The demon spirits were all stunned.

In the next moment, a holy and dazzling light illuminated the entire hall.

Fetos turned his head, his pupils contracting sharply.

He saw a fist.

A gigantic silver fist, larger than his entire body, trailing a brilliant glow like a falling star.

Fetos's mind went blank, leaving only one thought.

Danger!