Although Silver Tear and the others did not know exactly what the orb was, seeing Alex's determined demeanor gave them a good indication that it was nothing beneficial to them.
In that instant, the two of them began to hastily retreat, backing up until they reached the wall, where they then used their maximum energy to conjure a protective shield in front of them.
Both deployed their highest-level shields, and the combined strength was considerable.
However, when the light mixed with pale green particles touched their shields, it punctured through them as if piercing a sheet of paper.
What was going on?
What exactly was happening?
Why had such a thing occurred, and why had they never known about it before?
But they no longer had the luxury of time to ponder these questions and simply focused on reinforcing their shields with all their might.
They had no way to retreat! Their shields were as flimsy as paper in the face of these glowing assaults.
Meanwhile, John was acutely aware, feeling his Bloodthirsty Blade beginning to stir with excitement.
The two powers clashed violently against each other.
Yet, John felt as if a huge stone had struck his chest!
He uncontrollably staggered backward several steps and finally stopped only when his feet braced against a large rock.
With a splutter, John involuntarily coughed up a mouthful of blood.
The blood sprayed onto the Bloodthirsty Blade, which began to tremble uncontrollably with increased excitement.
Meanwhile, Alex's eyes turned a fervent red as all three of his faces twisted continuously.
Seeing John wounded elicited a thrill in them; they felt it was exactly how things should be.
To them, John should be kneeling before them, weeping bitterly—that would heighten their excitement even more.
"So, John, you too have days like these! When you humiliated me back then, did you ever imagine you would end up so wretched?"
Alex's hands trembled with emotion, almost wishing he could kill John right there.
John had been resisting this force, but found it growing increasingly stronger.
What was most terrifying was the pervasive nature of this power; it infiltrated every corner of the church with the white mist and green particles.
Even though he possessed a Light Shield, these particles were slowly eroding all his defenses.
Only the Bloodthirsty Blade's blood shield managed to offer some resistance; otherwise, protections like the Wind Shield and Light Shield were as flimsy as tissue paper, easily breached.
Even with his vast array of healing abilities, John couldn't help but gasp for air at this moment.
What would happen to John if they themselves were overwhelmed by this power?
They gritted their teeth, yet a sense of despair suddenly overwhelmed them.
Their energy was simply insufficient to contend with someone of a cataclysmic-tier.
What to do?
How could they possibly overcome?
Even combined, their strength was not enough to defeat their opponent.
Both individuals' breathing had become rapid, overwhelmed by a deep sense of despair without knowing what to do next.
John could see that as their lives grew more desperate, a negative emotion manifested as black smoke that merged with the green light around them.
Meanwhile, Alex's expression grew increasingly delighted, as if he was relishing some great nourishment.
Indeed, these vile beings seemed to thrive on negative emotions, using them to grow stronger.
If they had any real strength, they wouldn't be in this situation—truly disgusting.
John clenched his teeth, managed to control his emotions, and took a deep breath before shouting, "Don't forget who you are! If you let these things affect your mind, what face will you have to face everyone when you return?"
Silver Tear was startled and then instinctively came to his senses, his hands trembling slightly.
The two exchanged a look, both feeling a chill.
They were almost ensnared; they had indeed felt some emotional turmoil just moments before.
But now, it seemed things were beginning to diverge from what they had scripted.
"I don't need you to worry about me. Just take care of yourselves and don't cause more trouble here!"
John yelled, then summoned all his strength to take a forceful step forward.
This step took Alex aback, and then his heart filled with even more anger and irritation.
How could this man still remain so calm and composed in such a state?
Why could he act as if it were all nothing?
He should die; he should die right here, be utterly crushed and decay, becoming the most revolting presence.
A person like him should not live, should become the foulest mud in the earth, and pay the most dreadful price to atone for all the suffering he has endured recently.
Alex's face twisted into an even more ferocious snarl as his faces began to churn incessantly, resembling the tumors on his body.
The green light in the air was becoming denser and more abundant, and John was nearly at his limit!
But the next second, a Light Shield suddenly appeared in front of him, giving him a moment of relief.