29: The Apocalypse Pilgrim

"If possible..." Ghost Rider continued, "I wish you could fight these Evil Spirits in my stead. My strength is still insufficient. It took me three weeks to eliminate the Evil Spirits you just dispatched with ease."

Rhodes shook his head; his primary concern was not safeguarding ordinary humans but neutralizing Lau Fei, the greater menace.

"Your strength isn't weak. Just maintain your composure and refrain from allowing the Spirit of Revenge within you to dominate," Rhodes offered, his tone casual yet earnest.

This observation unsettled Ghost Rider. "How do you know that I temporarily lose control during battle?"

Rhodes was well-versed in Ghost Riders' vulnerabilities. Inexperienced Ghost Riders often struggled to harmonize their connection with spirits, leading to the Spirit of Revenge overpowering their psyche, transforming them into mere instruments of combat.

To attain optimal prowess, Ghost Riders needed to forge an alliance with their residing spirits, allowing the partnership to flourish and unleash their true potential.

"You need to find your equilibrium, reconcile with the spirit within you. Avoid suppressing or resisting it; aim for mutual understanding," Rhodes advised before departing.

Seated on the ground, Ghost Rider reflected deeply upon Rhodes' words.

At dawn, Rhodes and Sig mounted Pegasus, aided by villagers.

"Master Shenbing, you may select any woman from our village. Stay a while longer."

"I've already eradicated the tormenting Evil Spirits. Why would you want me to stay?" Rhodes queried, perplexed by their insistence.

The villagers lowered their heads in submission, except for a blond man who grinned obsequiously, fixating upon Rhodes with a flattering smile.

"Having you, Lord Shenbing, protect our village would deter other villagers and malevolent entities from invading."

Rhodes sighed, disappointed by humanity's servility. He clamped his Pegasus with his legs, taking to the sky.

As they soared, Rhodes activated a 3D map of Egypt using his arm's crystal screen, projecting a holographic image before him. Though he discerned Egypt's holy city, Thinis, in the distance, he sought to point Pegasus in the right direction to avoid confusing the steed.

Having illuminated the map and supplemented explanations, Rhodes directed Pegasus toward Thinis.

Before arriving at the Holy City, Rhodes beheld a congregation outside its boundaries. A lengthy procession extended across the desert, marked by individuals pausing at regular intervals upon the yellow sands. Each individual engaged in solemn kowtows directed at the holy city.

Rhodes patted Pegasus, his curiosity piqued. "Lower our altitude. Let's investigate."

Gradually descending, Pegasus' hooves came into contact with the ground. Rhodes conjured a light green barrier beneath the horse's hooves, fending off the treacherous quicksand and stabilizing their footing.

With his support secured, Rhodes and Sig advanced toward the enigmatic assembly.

"oh oh!"

As Pegasus alighted, the gathered worshippers prostrated themselves, adulating Rhodes and Sig fervently.

"Apostles of the revered Lord Apocalypse, we humbly offer our respects. Apocalypse, our creator, is our sole deity, deserving of our veneration."

These parched individuals resembled the desert, their sun-scorched cheeks mirroring the arid sands beneath their feet. Yet, their eyes shimmered with zeal, exuding an almost manic fervor that provoked bemusement.

Recalling the village's reverence for him as the Apostle of the Apocalypse, Rhodes pondered the extent of Apocalypse's influence in this realm.

"What do you believe in Apocalypse?" Rhodes inquired.

Incredulity swept over the assemblage, each member exchanging incredulous glances. Surely, the Apostles dispatched by Apocalypse could not be probing their loyalty?

"We venerate Lord Tianqi as our deity, as our Master. His desires mirror our own," they chorused.

Rhodes mused on the extent of Apocalypse's actions that had elicited such fervor from the masses.

"And what are you willing to do for Apocalypse? Are you prepared to die for him?" Rhodes posed casually, his query devoid of direction.

Several wide-eyed zealots rushed forward, proclaiming, "For Lord Tianqi! Praise Lord Tianqi!"

With that, they drew blades and promptly slashed their own throats, surrendering their lives in reverence to their Lord.

Their lifeblood pooled upon the yellow sand, gradually coagulating into an inky hue.

Remaining devotees knelt in homage, offering a succession of prostrations to the fallen, their devotion made tangible through this macabre ritual.

Both Rhodes and Sig exchanged incredulous glances, unaccustomed to encountering such zealousness. This belief system bore disturbing resemblances to cult-like thought manipulation.

Sig patted Rhodes' shoulder. "Let's go. These individuals are beyond reason. The one known as Apocalypse isn't ordinary. We must exercise caution."

Rhodes nodded. Though he acknowledged Apocalypse's power, the outcome of a showdown against Odin remained uncertain.

Yet, he never anticipated Apocalypse's success in achieving such extensive psychological manipulation.

Departing with Pegasus, Rhodes advanced toward the holy city.

To evade unwanted attention, Rhodes summoned Pegasus only upon signaling. Thus, he and Sig proceeded to Thinis, the holy city.